Graham Potter handed West Ham blueprint amid Rashford links after managerial return.

The Englishman was appointed as the new manager of West Ham United on Thursday following Julen Lopetegui’s dismissal due to a disappointing start to the season.

 

Graham Potter, who began his tenure at West Ham with a defeat to Aston Villa in the FA Cup, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Hammers.

 

The club currently sits 14th in the Premier League table, seven points above the relegation zone, with only six league wins so far this season.

 

This marks Potter’s first managerial role since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023. The former Brighton head coach faces a challenging task to turn things around at the London Stadium.

 

The east London side has reportedly expressed interest in being updated on Marcus Rashford’s situation at Manchester United as they look to strengthen their squad.

TalkSPORT pundit Darren Bent has identified several key areas that Potter must address to improve the team’s fortunes.

 

Speaking on Drive, the former Tottenham striker emphasized the need for tactical improvements, particularly in West Ham’s style of play.

 

“The first thing he’s got to do is fix the style of play,” Bent stated.

 

“Under David Moyes, that was a big concern for West Ham fans. The style just wasn’t good enough.”

 

He pointed out that the team ranks 14th in terms of average possession this season, holding the ball only 46.7% of the time.

 

Despite hopes that Lopetegui would implement a more attacking approach, the Hammers have struggled offensively, scoring just 24 goals this season—placing them in the bottom six for goals scored in the Premier League.

 

However, Bent is optimistic that Potter, known for his possession-based and attacking style at Brighton, can bring improvement.

 

“With Potter, that possession number will increase significantly,” Bent said. “His front-foot approach and ability to get attacking players on the ball in the right areas will benefit the team.”

 

 

Another pressing issue for Potter is bolstering West Ham’s attacking options.

 

Currently, winger Jarrod Bowen leads the team with five league goals, while summer signing Niclas Füllkrug has managed only two.

 

With Michail Antonio sidelined for an extended period, Bent suggested that the club needs a reliable focal point in attack.

 

“I think Bowen’s their top scorer with five, followed by [Tomas] Soucek and [Mohammed] Kudus,” Bent said.

 

“Kudus is such a talented player—he’s better than just three goals this season.

“I like Niclas Füllkrug—he was great at the Euros for Germany—but he’s 31 now.

 

That’s a short-term fix. West Ham needs a proper center forward who can lead the line for the next five or six years.”

 

Improving home form is another priority for Potter, according to Bent.

 

The Hammers’ performances at the London Stadium have been underwhelming, with the team ranked 15th in the home table and securing only three Premier League wins at home this season.

 

“They’ve got to make the London Stadium a fortress,” Bent urged. “At the moment, it’s far from that.

 

You can’t have a good season if your home form is that poor. Winning just three home games in the league is unacceptable.”

 

Getting the best out of key players like Lucas Paquetá is also essential for Potter’s success.

 

Paquetá, who scored in the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, has struggled to replicate his top form this season.

 

Bent stressed the importance of unlocking the Brazilian playmaker’s potential.

 

“Paquetá is a top-quality player, but we haven’t seen the best of him this season,” Bent said.

 

“Potter needs to find his best position and get the most out of him.

 

When Paquetá is playing well, the whole team improves significantly.”

 

Potter’s arrival at West Ham represents a fresh start for the club after a turbulent period under Lopetegui.

With the team precariously close to the relegation zone, the pressure is on for Potter to deliver results quickly.

 

His track record at Brighton suggests he is capable of implementing a more dynamic and effective style of play, but the challenges ahead are significant.

 

Addressing tactical issues, improving home performances, strengthening the attack, and maximizing the potential of players like Paquetá are among the immediate tasks for the new manager.

 

If Potter can successfully tackle these areas, he stands a chance of revitalizing West Ham’s season and building a solid foundation for the future.