West Ham Manager Graham Potter Facing Sack After Palace loss, Club Weighs Replacements
LONDON – west Ham United manager Graham Potter is under increasing pressure and facing the threat of dismissal following a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, leaving the club’s future direction in doubt. the loss highlighted ongoing defensive issues and prompted renewed scrutiny of Potter’s impact since taking over in january.
Potter’s position is reportedly being assessed by the West Ham board, with former managers Slaven Bilic and Nuno espírito Santo among those being considered as potential replacements, according to sources. Gary O’Neil, previously manager of wolves, is also understood to be open to the job. The situation underscores the high stakes at West Ham,where expectations remain elevated despite a challenging season.
Potter acknowledged the challenging circumstances, stating, “I have no reason to think [I don’t have board support] but I also understand the surroundings and the results.” He added, “Do I believe I can turn it around? Of course. I also understand it’s tough. We’re in a tough situation, there’s no getting away from that.”
as replacing Julen Lopetegui in January, Potter has secured only six wins in 25 games. The manager was booed by sections of the West Ham support after making substitutions during the match against Palace, including removing Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes. Potter claimed he did not hear the booing, stating, “I understand frustration, people are entitled to their opinion. There’s nothing I can say.”
Defensive vulnerabilities were again exposed against Palace, with West Ham conceding from a corner for the seventh time this season, allowing Jean-Philippe Mateta to open the scoring. Jarrod Bowen equalized,but a late volley from Tyrick Mitchell secured the win for Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner downplayed talk of Champions League qualification, despite his team rising to fourth in the league table. “I’m never relaxed,” Glasner said. “The better we will perform, the better we will be at the end of the season.”
