Graham Potter is looking forward to West Ham United’s third and final Premier League Summer Series outing against AFC Bournemouth at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday afternoon (2pm EDT, 7pm BST).
The Hammers are set to wrap up their 12-day tour of the USA with an enticing clash against the Cherries, having so far been narrowly defeated by Manchester United in New Jersey and seen off Everton 2-1 in Chicago during the pre-season tournament.
Tickets for Sunday's game remain on General Sale HERE, with supporters able to save 20% on select seats by using the code PLSS20.
Currently three points behind the table-topping Red Devils, who also have a superior goal difference, Potter’s side could still lift the trophy if they win and Manchester United fall to Everton in the second of the double-header in the state of Georgia.
The Head Coach is clear the most important aspect of the tour though has been getting his team game ready for the start of the Premier League season in two weeks’ time, with three fixtures against familiar opposition representing the perfect opportunity to gear up for the 2025/26 opener away at Sunderland.
An extended time away from home has provided an environment for the team to grow closer on and off the pitch, while numerous activations in local communities have allowed the Irons to meet and engage with supporters in unfamiliar surroundings.
While discussing the trip and its benefits while addressing members of the media ahead of the Bournemouth game, Potter expressed his delight at the announcement of Callum Wilson’s arrival at the Club on Saturday afternoon.
He also reserved a mention for the strength of character displayed by Lucas Paquetá, who he is confident is ready to make a big impact in the fresh campaign after he was cleared of misconduct charges made against him by the Football Association earlier this week.
Here are some of Potter’s main talking points…
Raring to go again
Touch wood, everyone’s fit. Everyone’s trained today, so it’s been good so far in terms of keeping everyone available and I think we’re all just looking forward to getting out there again and trying to get a result.
The players have been fantastic in terms of how they’ve worked throughout this trip. The spirit’s really good, and we’re excited for the game, and going up against a good Bournemouth side.
Taking a lot from the trip
I think the games have been great for us, in terms of getting ready for the new season. I think training is something you do and you can adapt to different conditions, but three games against Premier League opposition is really valuable.
All of the matches are in different environments and offer different tactical tests. That allows us to develop physically and as a team, because you’re facing real challenges you might not come up against in training.
We’re coming towards the end of the tour now, and for us it’s been really positive. We want to finish with a good performance, and hopefully a win.
Superb support
The level of support we’ve had over here has been brilliant. We’ve seen people out and about in the communities, and also at the games.
In the first game, against Manchester United at the MetLife Stadium, there were thousands of people there, which was a pretty cool experience. Then, we moved on to Chicago and Soldier Field, which is an iconic sports ground in the US. The support there was brilliant as well, especially from our supporters.
We’ve been delighted to interact with the fans, meet them and experience that, and now we can’t wait for tomorrow at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which is amazing. I’m sure the support is going to be great again.
Counting down to the Premier League kick-off
The aim of pre-season ultimately is to prepare for the new season. We know we’re going to get judged on performances and results, and that’s normal.
I’m looking forward to continuing to work with these players. As I’ve said from the start, the group is great, and I think everything is looking positive.
Of course, there’s always room to improve, but the commitment and the attitude of the players has been really good since we walked through the door in January, and going forward we have the chance to develop those relationships further.
We know the Premier League is a brutal competition, so we have to remain focused on what we have to do, but we’re feeling good. Once the season arrives we’ll just go from game to game, and always try to do our best.
Welcoming Wilson
Callum is a proven, experienced Premier League striker, and we’re pleased to have brought him in. He’s had some issues in terms of injuries and availability, but we think we can help him with that, and it’s an opportunity to bring someone in who’s got the know-how, who is a good character, and who has a fantastic attitude.
I think he'll fit in well with the team, and be good with the young players. He’s a different profile to someone like Niclas [Füllkrug], but I think they’ll complement each other really well, as he will with the likes of Jarrod [Bowen], Lucas [Paquetá] and Cal [Marshall].
The season’s long, so it’s good to have different options, and I’m confident we can get Callum firing and that we’ll then have a really good striker on our hands.
Paquetá in high spirits
As you can imagine, it’s been a tough period for him on a personal level, but he’s come through it, and the Club has supported him through that.
It’s easy to forget that these guys are Premier League footballers, and that he’s had to balance what’s been going on with competing at the highest level. It’s been really hard for him, and it’s credit to him and his family, and everyone connected to him, that he’s come through it.
Lucas is happy, and he’s committed. He’s a really important person in our dressing room, and for the Club. We love him, and we just want to help him enjoy his football and have a good season.
