West Ham United head coach Graham Potter faces an incredibly daunting week ahead.
Graham Potter has only been in charge of West Ham for just over five weeks now.
The 49-year-old Hammers head coach has definitely made improvements at the London Stadium regarding our playing style, but he has only overseen one win so far.
Potter is targeting a huge summer rebuild at West Ham, but in the here and now, he has to find a way of picking up some results quickly.
The 2024/25 season just seems to be a complete write-off for West Ham right now.
The ankle injury sustained by Lucas Paqueta was the latest in a long line of devastating blows Potter has already been dealt during his short tenure at the London.
And things aren’t about to get any easier with games against Arsenal, Newcastle and a resurgent Everton to come in our next four games.
However, there are shoots of light. Potter is well-renowned for implementing an exceptionally exciting brand of football at the club’s he’s managed, when given time.
And after today’s clash with Arsenal, we face Leicester City at home on Thursday night – one of the worst two teams in the Premier League in my opinion.
Whatever the result against the Gunners, the clash with the Foxes is a must-win.
Graham Potter faces daunting prospect at West Ham next week
If the Hammers don’t get a result against the Gunners, the pressure on Potter’s shoulders will crank up ahead of the Leicester game.
As much as playing style is important, football is a results business.
And West Ham are struggling to compete right now, let alone pick up some much needed wins.
It is true that the Hammers are in real transition, however.
Not only is Potter trying to drastically change the playing style, but there will also be a huge upheaval at the London Stadium in the summer when it comes to the playing staff.
Positive change never happens overnight, so it is vitally important that the fans remain patient with the head coach.
However, and I cannot stress this enough, the more defeats the club rack up, the harder it will be for Potter to succeed going forward.
West Ham absolutely have to head into next season with some genuine momentum and positive vibes.
An that’s why the pressure on Potter’s shoulders is set to increase exponentially over the next week.
Calls increase for Ruud van Nistelrooy to be sacked
After Friday night’s 4-0 defeat to Brentford, Ruud van Nistelrooy is really feeling the heat.
Since taking over at the King Power Stadium on December 1st, the 48-year-old has overseen just two Premier League wins, one draw and 11 defeats.
Numerous Leicester fans and high profile pundits are suggesting that the Dutchman could lose his job before they play the Hammers in five day’s time (Goal).
It has actually been claimed that the former Manchester United striker could lose his job imminently.
And wouldn’t it be so typical of the Hammers’ luck that we are the first team to face them with a new manager at the helm.
The last thing Graham Potter needs is for his West Ham team to come up against a side full of hunger and desire with new gaffer in charge.
If the Hammers fail to pick up a draw at the very least away at Arsenal, the pressure on the Leicester game will be palpable.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the Leicester owners don’t hand Ruud van Nistelrooy his P-45 until after we have played them at the London Stadium.
