Graham Potter, the current West Ham manager, has stated that getting sacked by Chelsea was the “best thing that ever happened” to him.
He expressed these feelings leading up to the upcoming Premier League match between the two teams on Monday.
Potter took over from Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge in September 2022, but his tenure only lasted for seven months before being let go.
At the time of his dismissal, Chelsea were struggling in the bottom half of the league table.
“You know in a football life you’re going to get ups and downs,” Potter said when asked about the stint.
“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 to 20 years is going to be great because of the experience I’ve had. 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.”
Potter replaced Julen Lopetegui at West Ham in January, his first job after leaving Chelsea.
Since his arrival, the Hammers have picked four points in three games.
“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,” Potter said.
West Ham sit in 14th place with 27 points.
