Potter backs Paquetá to excel this season after cleared charges while saying ‘He’s been fighting for his career, essentially’.
Paquetá can excel with ‘weight lifted’ after being cleared of spot-fixing, predicts Potter.
According to Graham Potter, Lucas Paquetá’s burden was lessened when the West Ham midfielder was exonerated of spot-fixing following a two-year Football Association investigation.
After the FA accused Paquetá of four charges of purposefully getting booked to influence betting markets for the benefit of friends and family last year, he faced the possibility of a lengthy ban. The 27-year-old Brazilian’s dreams of joining Manchester City that month were dashed when the probe was made public in August 2023.
Last month, it was confirmed that a regulatory commission had determined that Paquetá’s case was not proven. Potter believes that the former Lyon player’s morale has improved as he is no longer under investigation. The Brazil international, who joined West Ham for £51 million three years ago, has performed well in preseason.
“I think he’s done really well,” West Ham’s head coach said. “Admirable in terms of how he dealt with the situation. Like any human being there are good days and bad. But he’s managed to stay relatively consistent throughout it all. I think there’s a weight lifted off him. He’s been fighting for his career, essentially. When that’s away, then you get a lighter version.”
Paquetá’s results declined after he was charged, which is not surprising. At the end of the previous season, he was dropped because he occasionally appeared distracted. However, Potter is happy to have him accessible and his talent is undeniable. Paquetá will not be sold by West Ham.
“We’re delighted to have him,” Potter said. “We’re delighted that what’s been hanging over him has been cleared. It’s been an incredible test for him and the support he’s had from his family and from his teammates and from the club has been incredible. I’m sure he’ll say the same. But for Lucas it’s been a tough time.
“He’s a player that we understand, we love, his quality is incredible. Our challenge is to help him bring that out to the best of his ability, to fit with what we’re trying to do. If we can do that he’s a massive asset for us.”