Graham Potter breaks silence on West Ham sack after Nuno Espirito Santo replaces him

Graham Potter has spoken out on his sacking as West Ham manager after the club confirmed Nuno Espirito Santo as their new head coach. Potter and five members of his coaching team were shown the door on Saturday morning, a mere two days before their Premier League trip to Everton.

In a statement released by the Hammers, they announced that the decision was made because "results and performances over the course of the second half of last season and the start of the 2025/26 season have not matched expectations". They added: "The board of directors believe that a change is necessary in order to help improve the team's position in the Premier League as soon as possible.

"The club can confirm that assistant coach Bruno Saltor, first team coaches Billy Reid and Narcis Pelach, lead goalkeeper coach Casper Ankergren, and goalkeeper coach Linus Kandolin have also left with immediate effect. The board would like to thank Graham and his coaching staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future."

The Londoners had appointed Potter in January this year after Julen Lopetegui was dismissed following a stint of just 22 games at the helm of the club. But Potter only lasted three games longer his predecessor. They have won just once in five games to start this season, losing the other four.

In a statement released through the League Managers Association on Saturday afternoon, the outgoing Potter said: "I am incredibly disappointed to be leaving West Ham United Football Club, particularly without being able to achieve what we set out to achieve at the start of our journey in East London.

"I do however fully acknowledge that the results have just not been good enough up to now. Firstly, thank you to the board for offering me the opportunity to manage the team during the past 8 months.

"It was an honour and a privilege to manage such a historic club, which holds such strong values for footballing traditions and passion for the game. I'd like to thank all the staff at the club who made me feel so welcome, the playing squad and their continued efforts during my time - and lastly the fans, who have been so supportive during what has been a difficult journey at times.

"I wish the club nothing but the best of luck for the future. Thank you and goodbye for now. Come on you irons. GP X."

West Ham acted swiftly to fill the managerial vacancy, confirming Nuno as the new manager shortly before 3pm on Saturday afternoon.

The former Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolves manager has signed a three-year contract and will take charge of his first match against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

"I am very pleased to be here and very proud to be representing West Ham United," he declared. "My objective is to work hard to get the very best from the team and ensure that we are as competitive as we possibly can be.

"The work has already started and I am looking forward to the challenge that is ahead."