Agbonlahor Voices Concerns on talkSPORT Over ‘Hot Favourite’ for West Ham Manager Role
Gabby Agbonlahor Questions Graham Potter's Suitability for West Ham After Rejections from Other Clubs
Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter has reportedly been approached by West Ham United, according to Jim White, amid growing pressure on Julen Lopetegui at London Stadium.
Potter had previously been linked with a move to East London during the latter stages of David Moyes’ tenure at the club.
However, West Ham owner David Sullivan opted for Lopetegui instead, a decision that now appears to have misfired.
Speaking on talkSPORT on 5 December at 7:27 am, Shebahn Aherne stated, “Some of the favourites if Lopetegui is to be gone: Michael Carrick, Graham Potter is a hot favourite, and Edin Terzic.”
Former footballer Gabriel Agbonlahor responded, “Don’t you keep looking at Graham Potter and see him looked past for jobs?
As a club, do you start to think, ‘This club didn’t want him, that club didn’t want him’? He’s not getting [a Champions League job], not based on what he did at Chelsea. With West Ham, he should grab any opportunity.”
West Ham now face a decision as Lopetegui’s future hangs in the balance. Potter, who has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in April 2023, remains a potential candidate.
Despite his struggles at Stamford Bridge, where he lasted just seven months, Potter’s managerial credentials were demonstrated during successful spells with Swansea City and Brighton.
David Sullivan’s position on Potter is unclear, with other candidates like Borussia Dortmund’s Edin Terzic also reportedly in contention.
While Agbonlahor raises a fair point about Potter’s recent career setbacks, dismissing him solely based on his Chelsea stint could be a mistake for the Hammers.
With West Ham currently 14th in the Premier League and just six points above the relegation zone, decisive action is needed.
Failure to act swiftly could result in a challenging season.
Potter’s tactical acumen and Premier League experience make him a potentially strong candidate to turn the club’s fortunes around.
Whether Sullivan views him as the right fit remains to be seen, but West Ham cannot afford to delay the decision.
