West Ham manager, Graham Potter has reflected on his Chelsea dismissal, admitting it may have been a blessing in disguise as he prepares to return to Stamford Bridge for the first time since his sacking.
Potter, who took charge of the Hammers in January, faces his former club on Monday in his fourth Premier League game at the helm.
Despite being dismissed by Chelsea in April 2023—just seven months after succeeding Thomas Tuchel—the 49-year-old insists he holds no resentment towards the Blues.
Potter was in charge at Chelsea after he left Brighton. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
“You know in a football life you’re going to get ups and downs,” Potter said.
“I didn’t want to lose my job. But at the same time, I look back now and maybe it’s the best thing that happened to me. Maybe the next 10-20 years is going to be great because of the experience I’ve had.”
Chelsea spent over £550m on new signings during the season Potter was dismissed, with the club struggling for stability under new ownership.
Reflecting on his turbulent time at Stamford Bridge, Potter previously described it as a “perfect storm.”
“I can only look back now and think, just like everybody in life, you can have good things and bad things,” he added.
“They make you better if you use them in the right way, and I’ve done that and so therefore I’m grateful for the experience.”
Graham Potter reacts during the Premier League match against Aston Villa FC. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Despite the disappointment, Potter remains focused on his new chapter with West Ham:
“I just look at it as a learning experience. I’ve got no bad feelings towards Chelsea, I’ve still got a lot of good relationships with the people there.”
“But I’m just looking forward to the journey I’m on now with West Ham at this great club and getting that connection with the supporters, working with the team and building something that we’re really excited about and proud about here.”
West Ham, currently 14th in the table with 27 points from 23 games, secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Aston Villa last Sunday.
Meanwhile, Chelsea sit in sixth place as they prepare to welcome their former manager back to Stamford Bridge.
