If Graham Potter wasn’t feeling the pressure at West Ham ahead of next season he will be now.
Bar a win at Arsenal, it has been an uneventful start to life at West Ham for Graham Potter.
Despite a markedly improved performance at Aston Villa just 48 hours into the job, the Hammers dropped out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle.
That effectively proved to be the end of West Ham’s season.
Left in a Premier League no man’s land where they are in no danger of going down but have no hope of finishing any higher than around 13th, Potter has zero jeopardy with which to motivate his team.
It has showed on the pitch.
West Ham’s new boss was a breath of fresh air in the opening weeks.
Now he seems to already be fighting for air following some poor performances, just three wins and only 10 goals in his first 11 games.
Although West Ham have – as Potter has repeatedly reminded everyone – tightened up at the back, they are not scoring goals.
No magic wand for Potter at West Ham
After another woeful performance in defeat to Wolves, apologetic Potter was pleading for time already at West Ham.
Some West Ham fans have already been voicing concerns about the lack of excitement under their new manager thus far.
Some Hammers supporters have even given Potter an unflattering nickname in the wake of the loss at Molineux.
The 49-year-old Englishman is being given the rest of this season as grace by most rational fans.
But the pressure will be on massively from next season when he has his own players in the team.
After his unconvincing start to life at the London Stadium, a report has emerged claiming West Ham have included a break clause in Potter’s contract.
Potter joined the club on a two-and-a-half-year contract in January.
But Claret and Hugh, which counts David Sullivan as a senior source, claim the Hammers – or Potter – can terminate it early, next year, if they wish.
Now Potter has responded to a direct question about his West Ham future just three months in.
It is a very significant revelation regarding Potter’s 18-month break clause.
Not least because it comes amid murmurs from supporters that the club may have taken another managerial misstep.
And especially given it is widely publicised majority owner Sullivan only wanted to appoint Potter on an initial six-month deal originally.
Interest from Everton – and their offer of a lengthier contract on Merseyside – ended up forcing West Ham’s hand.
Potter responds on West Ham future just three months in
Coming just hours before Potter faced the media for his pre-Bournemouth press conference was interesting timing too.
Understandably, reporters present wanted to broach the claims with the Hammers boss.
One read out some damning stats to Potter as he was asked what he had to say to ‘fans who are still waiting for lift off’ under him.
Potter once again claimed the Hammers are a work in progress and made it clear he inherited a defensive mess.
He also highlighted West Ham have been more competitive under him if not quite good enough.
It was the last question of the broadcast section of the press conference which clearly agitated Potter, though.
In what was a question undoubtedly fuelled by the new reports about his contract break clause, Potter was asked if he is ‘thinking ahead to next season at West Ham and what he might like to achieve’.
Potter has been around the game long enough to spot a trap when it is being laid.
But his answer was pretty telling. Despite persistently claiming West Ham are a project in its infancy, he admitted he is not looking beyond this season.
“No I’m thinking about the weekend game, that’s all I’m thinking about,” said Potter with an exasperated laugh, shake of the head and slightly reddened face.
“I think if you think too far ahead in football, it’s a mistake.
“So just focus on the next day and the next training session and the next match.”
Potter break clause adds layer of intrigue at West Ham
And with that the press conference was brought to a close.
Hiring Potter was always going to carry an element of risk after what happened to him at Chelsea.
Particularly as he then took 20 months out of football.
Some cynics among the Hammers faithful have also voiced doubts over his Brighton achievements given their continued rise under two different managers since.
Potter would have known he had to come in and prove himself again at West Ham.
He may not get a realistic chance to do that until next season.
But with the revelation about his break clause, the pressure will certainly be on when it comes around.
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