Emery: Villa will 'respect' Potter on West Ham bow

Unai Emery says Aston Villa will respect Graham Potter as the new West Ham boss prepares for his first game in charge of the Hammers.

The former Brighton and Chelsea coach returned to football management on Thursday after nearly two years, as he was named as Julen Lopetegui's successor at the London Stadium.

Ironically, Emery's Villa were also the opponents for Potter's final match in charge of Chelsea in April 2023, when a 2-0 defeat ultimately led to his departure from Stamford Bridge after just seven months at the helm.

West Ham endured a difficult start to the season under Lopetegui, who left with the Hammers 14th in the Premier League, but Emery is confident Potter can turn their fortunes around.

"West Ham have very good players. It is a good club as well," the Spaniard said. "It is not good news when they are changing one coach but, of course, now there is an opportunity for him.

"We are going to respect West Ham, and we are going to respect Graham Potter because he was successful when he was coaching before here in England. I think he is going to do good work."

Emery revealed skipper John McGinn would be absent for the FA Cup third-round tie at Villa Park.

The Villa boss, who said the club are "working" on potential new arrivals, also provided an update on Jaden Philogene, with the midfielder reportedly close to a move to Ipswich Town.

"I believe in Jaden Philogene, but we are always trying to do what is best for the squad, for the team and for the players," Emery added. "If he is leaving, then it is for those three options."

Thursday workpic.twitter.com/WNvgG9qAVo

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 9, 2025