West Ham Loanee Carlos Soler: Embracing Life Under Graham Potter
An Unexpected Journey
Carlos Soler’s arrival in England has been nothing short of exciting, both for him personally and for the fans of West Ham United. The 28-year-old loanee from Paris Saint-Germain, who has previously played alongside legends such as Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, is carving out a unique chapter in his career under the guidance of new manager Graham Potter. As he embraces life in London, Soler also aims to draw from Potter’s managerial expertise as he eyes a potential future in coaching.
Soler’s first taste of matchday as a fan came when he stepped off the train at Stratford station, mingling inconspicuously among West Ham supporters. His recent suspension led him to watch the West Ham vs. Brighton match, where he blended into the crowd, savoring the experience of being a spectator rather than a player. “They didn’t recognize me,” he chuckled, reflecting on the anonymity that allowed him to experience the matchday atmosphere just like any other fan.
Despite the club’s struggles in the early part of the season, Potter’s arrival has injected fresh hope into the team and supporters alike. West Ham’s recent draw against Aston Villa demonstrated a considerable improvement in performance, igniting aspirations for better results in upcoming fixtures.
Life in London: A Blend of Cultures
In addition to his football journey, Soler has found joy in exploring London. Living in a cozy apartment near Tower Bridge with his girlfriend, he relishes the opportunity to experience the city like a local. From trying out new cafés to attending performances at iconic venues like the Royal Albert Hall, Soler is soaking up the rich cultural fabric of London. “It was beautiful,” he said, recalling his first trip to see Cirque du Soleil.
However, as Soler adjusts to life in London, he has yet to taste some quintessential British dishes. Particularly curious about the infamous “pie and mash,” he expressed his playful skepticism towards the English interpretations of paella he has encountered, hinting at his roots and love for authentic Spanish cuisine.
Settling into the Premier League
Transitioning to the English Premier League from La Liga has not been without its challenges. The physical demands of the league often require players to adapt their game significantly. Soler noted, “It was not easy because you have to change a lot of things, not just in football but in life that people don’t know. Fans just know about the matches but there are so many things more than football.”
Since joining West Ham on loan at the end of the summer transfer window, Soler has faced the hurdle of settling in, which included a month living in a hotel. However, his performance has started to shine through recently, highlighted by his first goal for the club in a hard-fought victory over Fulham.
Soler has always been a player of notable technical ability; however, he recognized the necessity of adjusting to the more intense, fast-paced nature of the Premier League. “It’s crazy matches,” he elaborated, referencing his experiences during games. This adaptation showcases his determination and willingness to succeed in this demanding environment.
The Influence of Graham Potter
Graham Potter’s influence has been an important factor in Soler’s revitalization at West Ham. The Spaniard described Potter’s coaching style as flexible and clever, appreciating the focus on movement and tactical strategy. He stated, “He wants to attack but not straight away. Go to the right, go to the left, go to the right again because there is a space there.”
What Soler finds particularly inspiring is Potter’s approach to communication and player management. He recounted how Potter encouraged an open dialogue among players, fostering a sense of honesty and collaboration that is often pivotal in improving team performance.
“I’ve spoken to him two or three times about where I need to improve,” Soler noted, highlighting the importance of constructive feedback that can make a significant difference in a player’s development. Moreover, Soler acknowledged the wealth of experience he has gained from playing under various coaches, including Luis Enrique at PSG and Javi Gracia at Valencia. “I had seven or eight different managers in my career, and from all of them I had so many good things,” he remarked about how these experiences have prepared him for future coaching opportunities.
Future Aspirations: A Managerial Career
As Soler aims to improve his game on the pitch, he is also laying the groundwork for a future career in management. His experiences as a player, combined with the insights gained from his various coaches, have shaped his understanding of football and its intricacies. “If in the future I want to be a manager too, I have had a lot of good managers so I learned about them,” he reflected.
Soler’s passion for football management extends beyond the field; he humorously mentioned partaking in virtual coaching through Football Manager, where he successfully led his hometown club Valencia to victory in La Liga. This sort of playful engagement with football strategy showcases his genuine interest in the game from a managerial perspective.
The Path Ahead: West Ham and Beyond
As Soler looks ahead to the remainder of the season, he is acutely aware of his loan’s temporary nature, but his current focus is on making a significant impact at West Ham. Although the club holds an option to make his move permanent summer, Soler remains non-committal about his future, emphasizing his enjoyment of London and the club’s supportive atmosphere.
“I like London, I like playing for West Ham, I like the fans, and I’m very happy,” he said, balancing excitement for the present with uncertainty about what lies ahead.
The camaraderie he has experienced since arriving is evident, as he has quickly become an integral part of the squad, contributing not just with his goals and assists but also with his spirit and work ethic on the training ground.
A Glimpse into His Past: Playing with Legends
For Soler, playing with some of the world’s best has been a dream come true. His experience alongside the likes of Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé at PSG has left a lasting impression. “He’s the best player ever,” Soler expressed regarding Messi, emphasizing the surreal nature of training and playing with such elite talents. While the star-studded experience at PSG was extraordinary, Soler is now focused on making his mark in the Premier League.
Conclusion
Carlos Soler’s journey in London is just getting started. As he settles into life at West Ham, he is not only learning from the tactical insights of Graham Potter but is also embracing the culture and challenges that come with playing in the Premier League. With an eye on a future in management, Soler’s love for the game continues to grow.
Whether on the pitch or exploring the vibrant city of London, he is determined to make the most of this opportunity, and fans will undoubtedly be eager to see what he brings to the rest of the season.
Additional Information
For more updates on Carlos Soler and West Ham United, readers can follow the associated links below:
- Carlos Soler’s Official Instagram
- West Ham United Official Website
- Carlos Soler’s Performance Highlights
Player Information Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Carlos Soler |
| Club | West Ham United (on loan from PSG) |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Date of Birth | January 2, 1997 |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Previous Clubs | Valencia, Paris Saint-Germain |
| Notable Achievements | LaLiga Champion (Virtual in FM) |
In writing about Carlos Soler’s journey, it’s clear that he is not just focused on his current success but is also laying the foundation for a bright future in football—whether that be as a star player or a respected manager. The passion, determination, and eagerness to learn from every experience will undoubtedly shape his career in the years to come.
Feature image Credit: Google.com/www.dailymail.co.uk
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