West Ham United manager Graham Potter has spoken out after his side suffered a humiliating 5-1 home defeat against Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday morning, August 23, 2025 (WIB). The heavy loss left The Hammers’ boss under mounting pressure as his team continues to struggle in the opening weeks of the new season.
Potter admitted that the performance was far below expectations and emphasized that the responsibility does not lie on one person alone—the players, the coaching staff, and even himself must all share the blame for the disastrous start.
Two Heavy Defeats in a Row for West Ham
The latest thrashing by Chelsea came just a week after West Ham were beaten 3-0 by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. This means The Hammers have conceded eight goals in just two league matches, raising serious questions about the team’s defensive structure and tactical approach.
To make matters worse, supporters inside the London Stadium were seen leaving their seats before half-time, a clear indication of growing frustration among fans. Many are already questioning whether Potter is the right man to lead the club forward after just two Premier League fixtures.
Potter: “Everyone is Responsible, Including Myself”
Unlike some managers who shift blame onto individual players, Potter refused to single out scapegoats. Instead, he highlighted that the problems are collective and require a united response.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, the 50-year-old manager said:
“Who’s to blame for this? Everyone. It’s not about one player, one coach, or one department. We are all in this together.”
Potter acknowledged that while his team started the game brightly and even scored a fine opening goal, the defensive lapses that followed completely changed the momentum.
“Of course, it’s very disappointing. We began with great intensity, got ourselves in front, and then conceded cheap goals. That shifted the entire atmosphere of the match. At this level, you simply cannot give away goals like that,” he explained.
Not Just About Signing New Players
Many West Ham fans have voiced concerns over the club’s lack of transfer activity in the summer window, criticizing the board for not strengthening the squad adequately. However, Potter believes that spending money on new signings is not the only solution.
Instead, he insisted that the issues go deeper than the squad list—pointing out fundamental problems in the team’s defensive discipline and mental approach.
“Of course, we are always looking at the transfer market. But this isn’t only about bringing in new faces. The way we concede goals makes it impossible to win matches. We must defend better as a unit. That’s the most urgent priority,” said Potter firmly.
His comments suggest that tactical improvements and better organization are just as important as fresh additions to the squad.
Captain Jarrod Bowen Shares His Frustration
Club captain Jarrod Bowen also voiced his anger after the final whistle, openly admitting that the team has failed to execute even the basic fundamentals of football in their opening matches.
The 28-year-old forward, who has carried the captain’s armband this season, did not shy away from responsibility. He acknowledged that he, as captain, must do more to inspire and demand higher standards from his teammates.
“It’s the basics of football, and we simply haven’t done them well enough. That’s why we’ve conceded eight goals in two games. As captain, I am furious with the start we’ve made. I take responsibility too—it’s my job to get a reaction from the lads and make sure we bounce back quickly,” Bowen said.
What’s Next for West Ham?
West Ham’s disastrous start to the 2025/26 Premier League season has already put them in an early crisis. With fans growing restless, Potter and his players must quickly find solutions to steady the ship.
Their next fixture will be crucial, not only to restore confidence but also to determine whether Potter can keep the dressing room and fanbase united behind him. If results fail to improve, the pressure could become unbearable for the former Brighton and Chelsea manager.
For now, the message from both Potter and Bowen is clear: accountability is shared, and a collective response is needed. Whether West Ham can turn things around in the coming weeks will define their season and potentially, Potter’s future at the club.
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