Graham Potter: If Pep Guardiola has to prove himself then we all do | OneFootball

New West Ham boss Graham Potter says he is a better manager following his experience at Chelsea as he takes over at the club from Julen Lopetegui.

Lopetegui was sacked by West Ham after just six months in the job and with the team 14th in the table.

Potter returns to football for the first time since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023 and says that experience has made him stronger.

Asked if he has something to prove at West Ham, he said: “When I hear [Pep] Guardiola say he’s got something to prove then we all have,” Potter said:

“It’s the reality of professional sport. I’m comfortable in my own skin, who I am and what I’ve done. But nobody is perfect. Life is about accepting setbacks and mistakes and moving forward.

“I think I’m a better coach for the experience, I feel well rested.”

Potter’s first game in charge will be a trip to Aston Villa in the FA Cup and the new Hammers head coach says he wants to create a “balanced” side.

“You can talk about attacking football and style of play but if you’re not balanced it becomes difficult,” he explained. “Of course you want to attack and play good football but like in life, there has to be balance.

“I need to work with the players, learn about them, but until you get under the bonnet you’re never sure. That’s what I’m excited about.”