Paul Merson Reveals What West Ham Have Lacked Under Graham Potter Before Liverpool Showdown

The former Chelsea manager has experienced a challenging start at West Ham, winning only three of his first 12 matches.

The Hammers currently sit 16th in the Premier League, and already, questions are beginning to arise regarding his future at the London Stadium.

A major overhaul will be required during the summer transfer window to address the numerous problems plaguing the squad.

The pressure is already mounting on Potter to prove he’s the right man for the job.

Paul Merson has expressed disappointment with Potter’s early impact at the club.

When West Ham appointed him, hopes were high that he would bring a positive turnaround and stabilize the season.

However, things haven’t gone to plan, as he continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Lopetegui era.

Writing in his weekly Sportskeeda column on 10 October, Merson anticipated a 3-1 victory for Liverpool, noting: “Liverpool will win this, West Ham have been so disappointing.

Graham Potter has not had that kick-on effect like I expected.

But he will only be judged next season, when he gets his own players and builds his own system.”

Potter still has the backing of many due to his successful time at Brighton, where he crafted a squad that consistently overperformed and laid the groundwork for the club’s recent rise.

While his Chelsea stint was disappointing—lasting only seven months—his Brighton legacy gives fans and the board some reason to remain hopeful.

West Ham’s co-owner David Sullivan is counting on Potter to implement a similar project at Rush Green.

The goal is to build a team that doesn’t just survive relegation battles, but competes for European football.

Merson’s point is a fair one—judging Potter solely on the current campaign may be premature.

The true test of his credentials will come next season, after he has had a summer to shape the team to suit his preferred style of play.

If Potter, alongside recruitment specialist Kyle Macauley, can secure high-quality signings during the transfer window, it could mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for West Ham.

The summer will be crucial in putting the disappointing Lopetegui period behind them and laying a foundation for long-term success.