Alious David Moyes defends Graham Potter: “Calls for his sacking wouldn’t be tolerated in any other workplace”
As West Ham manager Graham Potter faces mounting pressure after four defeats in his opening five Premier League matches, Everton boss David Moyes has spoken out in his defence.
Potter’s position is believed to be under serious threat ahead of Monday’s clash with Everton, where a loss could spell the end of his tenure.
But Moyes, who managed West Ham for four-and-a-half years and famously delivered the club’s first European trophy in 2023, insisted that the constant calls for his sacking are unfair and out of line with standards in other industries.
“I don’t think it’s right,” Moyes said. “We live in a world now where mental health is taken seriously.
In any other profession, talking so openly about someone losing their job would not be acceptable. But in football, it seems to be fair game.”
The Scotsman stressed that managers deserve the same respect as any professional, adding: “He’s a really good manager with a lot of qualities. I’m sure he’ll come through this—whether at West Ham or somewhere else.”
Reflecting on his own time at West Ham, Moyes admitted he experienced criticism despite guiding the Hammers to European success.
He argued that clubs should prioritise stability over constant change, drawing comparisons with Everton, where he believes long-term building is vital.
“Everybody thinks the grass is greener elsewhere, but I had a great time at West Ham and hugely enjoyed it. Clubs need stability if they want to progress.”
Moyes also highlighted West Ham’s achievements under his watch, including three straight European campaigns and record-breaking transfer activity following the sale of Declan Rice.
“That showed where the club had risen to. But it was also the right time for me and the club to move on,” he said.
Turning back to his current side, Everton, Moyes praised the response of his players after their midweek Carabao Cup exit to Wolves.
“The reaction on the training ground has been really good. We’ve been working well for a long time, so Tuesday’s result hasn’t affected that.”
The Toffees, who have collected seven points from their opening five matches, now prepare to face a West Ham side Moyes described as “tough opposition with plenty of international experience,” despite their poor start.
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