New West Ham boss Graham Porter insists he is a “better” and “wiser” manager after a 20-month layoff following his sacking by Chelsea.
Potter was confirmed as Julen Lopetegui's successor at West Ham on Thursday, confirming his return to management after leaving the Blues in April 2023.
The Englishman has won just seven of his 22 Premier League games, lasting just under eight months during a turbulent reign at Stromford Bridge.
But despite his former reputation in Brighton, Potter believes his time in West London has improved him as a coach.
Speaking to the media for the first time, Potter said: “I'm a better person and coach for the experience and I'm well rested. I have been a manager for 12 years. The break did me good and gave me a chance to rest and think.
“I'm happy to be here now.
“We don't have that preparation time; This is true, But I'm a little smarter. I think there will be an ideal time, but sometimes you have to learn when the opportunities come. We still have a great week.”
Asked if he now needed to prove himself, Potter said: “When I heard (Pep) Guardiola said he had something to prove, everyone already had. This is the reality of professional sports.
“I'm comfortable in my own skin and who I am. But no one 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.”
“When I spoke to this club, it felt right for me.”
Graham Potter answers the first questions since becoming the new West Ham boss. pic.twitter.com/VVWAYwwSrb
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 9 2025
Potter: 'I waited for the right role because it was important'
Potter, who has also impressed with Swansea and Ostersunds as well as the Seagulls, has been regularly linked with managerial positions during his 20-month break from management.
The 49-year-old has been named as a contender to succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager ahead of Thomas Tuchel, who was appointed as his replacement at Chelsea.
“It's been about 20 months,” Potter said. It's good to rest. different directors; I've had conversations with the owners, but I think it's important to make the right choice at the right time.
“When I spoke to this club, it felt right. I think it's okay.”
On why West Ham were the right team, he said: “When you have a lot of time to think you have a feeling. A combination of many factors.
“The objective of the board; Their trust and confidence in me. playing team academy Check out what Mark Noble is doing behind the scenes there. Supporters are generous; knowledge They are faithful.
“When you add it all up, it's a big club, it's a family club, and the feeling of fighting together is an attraction for me.”
Potter: 'I feel lucky to be at West Ham'
After choosing the London Stadium as his next destination, Porter reiterated how excited he was to be given the opportunity with the Premier League club.
He said: “I feel lucky to be here. I'm sorry that everyone was upset that my name was associated (with so many clubs).
“I am very happy and honored to be here now and to be in this position. I hope I can do well and the supporters are positive towards me. So far, the support has been very good. The words of encouragement are already touching.”
Potter confirms the backroom staff.
Graham Porter, former Brighton captain Bruno Saltor (assistant coach); Billy Reid (first team coach) and Narcis Pelach (first team coach) confirmed to join West Ham.
“It's a core group,” Potter said of his management team. “I'm looking forward to working with the staff at the club.”
Potter's first game will be away to Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Friday night before they host Fulham on Tuesday.