A quirk of destiny meant Graham Potter’s final recreation in administration was a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
It price him his job at Chelsea in April 2023, because the Blues acted lower than 24 hours later to finish his temporary Stamford Bridge reign.
Nearly two years later the 49-year-old returned to the dugout to endure one other loss to Villa, this time within the FA Cup, in his first recreation as West Ham boss.
At his Thursday unveiling, he spoke about accepting each the successes and the setbacks, his spell at Chelsea an ideal instance.
Potter mentioned the Hammers felt just like the “proper one” after beforehand coming near the roles at Ajax and Leicester.
He additionally mentioned he was now properly rested – however, after Friday’s recreation at a freezing Villa Park, there’s prone to be just a little frustration.
Lucas Paqueta’s purpose, throughout the Hammers’ vivid begin, had the brand new supervisor celebrating on the sidelines simply 9 minutes in.
At full-time, nevertheless, he was locked in dialog with assistant supervisor Bruno Satler on the touchline after Villa’s comeback had knocked out his new aspect.
“The feelings have been pleasure,” mentioned Potter when he was requested how he felt earlier than the sport at his post-match information convention. “Friday night time, Villa Park, full home, 6,500 West Ham followers who have been superb.
“Our efficiency gave me numerous encouragement, the best way the gamers tried to do what we requested them to do. We’re simply disenchanted now as a result of we’re out and wished to undergo.
“We simply attempt to get the workforce right into a fine condition. The expertise is there however it’s nearly attempting to get the workforce collectively as a collective. That is what we’re attempting to do.”
After the ultimate whistle, he walked over to salute the travelling followers who shall be hoping Potter will ship the model and substance they’re demanding
It’s one thing Julen Lopetegui was unable to do in his six months in cost and Potter turns into the membership’s fifth supervisor in 9 and a half years, counting David Moyes’ two spells.