Potter says West Ham 'stabilised' and on 'good path'

Graham Potter became West Ham manager in January

Manager Graham Potter says he has "stabilised" West Ham and believes they are not far from getting back "on a good path".

The Hammers lost their opening two Premier League games against Sunderland and Chelsea before being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Wolves.

Those results have piled pressure on Potter but the former Brighton and Chelsea boss remains optimistic West Ham are united in their efforts to turn things around.

"I'm an experienced manager, I try my best and it's my job to help the players," he said before Sunday's match at Nottingham Forest.

"We're all hurting, because the pre-season was encouraging. But the results haven't been what we want and we are not shying away from the fact that things haven't been good.

"But at the same time, there are a lot connections and commitment in the team. And I don't think we are far away from a performance and a result that gets things on a good path."

Despite the setbacks, Potter said the foundations laid during pre-season will help the club turn their fortunes around.

"We have done a lot of good work. We have stabilised things a lot," he said.

"The culture is a lot better and the foundation within the group is better. The togetherness at the club is better.

"The work done behind the scenes is beginning to take shape, even if results haven't yet reflected that progress."

West Ham signed Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes from Southampton in a deal worth more than £40m on Friday.

And Potter said the 21-year-old will add a "different dimension" to his squad while also hinting at more signings before the transfer window closes on Monday.

"We'll always look until the end of the window," Potter said.

"You never know what's going to happen. I think it'll be one of those windows that's going to be a lot of activity late.

"We need to make sure we're aware and aligned to make the right calls.

"You've always got to look to improve and at the same time improve the players that we have."

'Nobody can doubt Bowen's commitment'

Jarrod Bowen signed for West Ham from Hull City in 2020

Captain Jarrod Bowen had to be held back by stewards and team-mates during an altercation with Hammers supporters after Tuesday's defeat at Wolves.

Bowen had gone over to the travelling fans to salute them after two late goals from Jorgen Strand Larsen knocked West Ham out of the competition in the second round.

However, the forward reacted after something seemed to be said from the stands.

When asked about the incident, Potter said he understood the frustration among the club's fanbase.

"Jarrod made a statement after the Wolves game," the West Ham manager said.

"Nobody can doubt his commitment and contributions to this club, but at the same time we understand the fans are frustrated and it's painful.

"We have to stay together and try to move forward."

Bowen apologised shortly after the cup game for his reaction.

"I'm someone who is passionate and will fight every time I step on the pitch. But I need to set a better example and you fans know how much I love you and this club," the England forward wrote on Instagram.

"We ride through the bad times together and I'll see you all Sunday."