Graham Potter adapts to West Ham striker shortage

West Ham manager confident in his squad despite transfer window challenges.

West Ham United manager Graham Potter speaks during the post-match press conference following the Premier League match at London Stadium on January 14, 2025, in London, England. Photo by Rob Newell/Getty Images

By Widya Putri and Armandio Alif

West Ham United manager Graham Potter has expressed confidence in his ability to work with the existing squad despite the club’s struggle to sign a new striker during the January transfer window. Speaking ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash against Crystal Palace, Potter emphasized the importance of adaptability and teamwork in overcoming challenges.

The Hammers have been dealing with a depleted forward lineup, with key players like Niclas Fullkrug, Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio, and Crysecio Summerville sidelined due to injuries. This forced Potter to deploy an unconventional attacking setup in their recent 3-2 victory over Fulham, his first home game in charge of the club.

Instead of fielding a recognized striker, Potter relied on creative options, positioning Lucas Paquetá and Tomáš Souček as makeshift forwards. Both players delivered, scoring crucial goals alongside Carlos Soler, who played an attacking role from the left wing.

Despite ongoing transfer speculations linking the club to potential targets such as Evann Guessand of Nice and RB Leipzig's André Silva, Potter remains focused on maximizing the potential of his current roster. With no new signings expected before Saturday’s fixture, he outlined his pragmatic approach.

“I think if we don’t bring in reinforcements, it’s my responsibility to find solutions with the players we have,” Potter said during a press conference. “If we can identify someone who strengthens the team and adds value, of course, we’ll pursue that. But my priority is to focus on what I can control, and that means getting the best out of the squad.”

Potter’s approach highlights his ability to adapt and find creative strategies to navigate difficult circumstances. His emphasis on teamwork and preparation was evident as he looked ahead to another important match against their London rivals.

“It helps to get wins; it keeps us moving forward,” he noted. “We now have to prepare for another big game on Saturday and continue building momentum.”

The striker shortage has sparked debate about West Ham’s transfer strategy, with some fans calling for immediate action to secure reinforcements. However, Potter’s calm demeanor and results-driven approach have helped maintain a sense of optimism among supporters.

The Fulham victory showcased the depth of West Ham’s squad and the versatility of players like Paquetá and Souček, who stepped up under pressure. Carlos Soler’s performance on the wing also demonstrated the team’s ability to adapt its attacking style in the absence of traditional forwards.

Potter’s leadership has already begun to make an impact, with the team displaying resilience and creativity in overcoming obstacles. As the January transfer window progresses, the club will need to weigh the urgency of bolstering the squad against the potential risks of making hasty decisions.

For now, Potter remains focused on building cohesion within his squad and preparing for the challenges ahead. His commitment to adaptability and strategic planning has positioned West Ham to navigate a crucial period in their season effectively.

The upcoming match against Crystal Palace will be another test of the team’s depth and determination. With Potter at the helm, West Ham fans can hope for continued progress and a strong finish to the campaign.

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