Graham Potter Excited for 'Big Test' Against Sunderland in Premier League Opener
West Ham United manager Graham Potter is excited for the team's Premier League opener against Sunderland, describing it as a 'big test'. Potter has welcomed new signings, including El Hadji Malick Diouf, Kyle Walker-Peters, and Callum Wilson, and believes the team has made positive progress in the summer transfer window.
West Ham United manager Graham Potter is looking forward to the team's Premier League opener against Sunderland, describing it as a “big test.” The match is set to kick off at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, August 16, at 3 pm. Potter expressed his excitement, saying, “I'm very excited to be back. It's been a positive pre-season, and as much as you talk about that, you can't beat being back on the first weekend.”
Potter believes Sunderland will be a tough opponent, but he's confident in his team's abilities. He noted that Sunderland's recent signings, including Granit Xhaka, will bring experience and quality to their team. Potter emphasized that his focus is on his own team, saying, “It's about what we can do, and trying to match the positivity of the environment.” He also highlighted West Ham's potential, stating, “I think the potential here is huge, and the ambition is huge. It's a huge club.”
Potter has welcomed new signings, including El Hadji Malick Diouf, Kyle Walker-Peters, Callum Wilson, and Mads Hermansen, who have added quality and depth to the squad. With a total transfer spend of £39 million, Potter believes his team is well-equipped to face the challenges of the new season.
Potter said today, “I'm very excited to be back. It's been a positive pre-season, and as much as you talk about that, you can't beat being back on the first weekend.
“It's going to be a great game for us, and a big test, but we're ready.”
Orford opens our account for 2025/26! 💥 pic.twitter.com/VXbv1TzyYM
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 13, 2025
“I watched the Sunderland documentary a few years ago. Having been at Swansea, I know what it can be like at a team that has been relegated. They're back in the Premier League now, and I'm sure they'll be really excited and focused.
“He (Granit Xhaka) is a top player, and I'm sure he's going to bring all his experience to help Sunderland. For us, it's about what we can do, and trying to match the positivity of the environment.”
West Ham's Ambition
West Ham United manager Graham Potter is cautious about setting specific goals for the season, focusing instead on progress and improvement. “In my experience, there are no free hits in football. You have to be assessed and judged, and that's fine,” he said. Potter emphasized his commitment to the club, adding, “It's about doing the right thing for the club and the team, doing the best I can to keep the club moving forward. I've learnt a lot since I've been here, and I'm excited about the season ahead.” Potter believes West Ham has huge potential, and he's determined to make the most of it.
"We're really happy with what we have done so far"
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 14, 2025
Graham Potter on West Ham's signings ahead of the Premier League season ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/ClSiVfUdcg
He said, “In my experience, there are no free hits in football. You have to be assessed and judged, and that's fine. It's about doing the right thing for the club and the team, doing the best I can to keep the club moving forward. I've learnt a lot since I've been here, and I'm excited about the season ahead.
“I think the potential here is huge, and the ambition is huge. It's a huge club.
“We've got a great fanbase, history and tradition, like every big club has. Our challenge is to use our resources to do as well as we can, and to put a team on the pitch our supporters can be proud of.”
West Ham United manager Graham Potter is thrilled with the team's summer signings, saying, “We're happy with what we've done so far, and we're happy with the group. We've got a good mix and good characters, and the trick now is to try to keep improving.” The team has welcomed new players El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague for £19 million, Mads Hermansen from Leicester City for £20 million, Kyle Walker-Peters from Southampton on a free transfer, and Callum Wilson from Newcastle United on a free transfer.
Potter's comments come ahead of West Ham's Premier League opener against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. With a total transfer spend of £39 million, Potter believes his team has the right blend of talent and character to succeed this season. The team's signings are expected to strengthen their squad, particularly in defense and attack.
Key Signings:
- El Hadji Malick Diouf: Signed from Slavia Prague for £19 million
- Mads Hermansen: Signed from Leicester City for £20 million
- Kyle Walker-Peters: Signed from Southampton on a free transfer
- Callum Wilson: Signed from Newcastle United on a free transfer
West Ham's transfer activity aims to address gaps in their squad, especially after the departures of key players like Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham Hotspur for £55 million and Michail Antonio's exit after a decade with the club.
"In the meantime, I have to focus on the players we have, and we're looking forward to the game.
“Whenever players move on, it's hard to directly replace them. But we have to look at what's best for us. There's a focus on individuals, but for me it's about how the team functions, and bringing the best out of everyone.”
On Wilson, he added: “He brings experience, know-how and quality, which isn't easy to find.
“He's come from a good environment, and can help the other players in the group. And he's a top player on the pitch as well.”
Ready for the new season 👊
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 13, 2025
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