Carlos Soler’s day began like any other.
He stepped off the train at Stratford station, blending into the sea of West Ham fans heading to the London Stadium.
With no spotlight on him, he was free to experience matchday as any ordinary fan would.
The West Ham midfielder had been sidelined by suspension for their Premier League clash against Brighton in December.
On loan from Paris Saint-Germain, Soler decided to make the most of the situation and watch the game as a spectator.
He walked through the crowd, unnoticed, surrounded by fans discussing the team’s struggles and the future of then-manager Julen Lopetegui.
“I enjoyed it,” Soler says with a smile. “It was nice that they didn’t recognise me.
Back when I was in the Valencia academy, I always wanted pictures with first-team players.
But that day, I just wanted to be like them, enjoying the game.”
A Fresh Start Under Graham Potter
This season, things are looking brighter for the Hammers under new manager Graham Potter.
A hard-fought draw at Aston Villa, after a week of Potter’s training, has reignited a sense of optimism within the club.
As Soler puts it, “We should have won. We need to keep pushing like this.”
Soler, ever the engaging conversationalist, opens up about his journey.
He talks about how Potter’s approach has revitalised the team, shares his admiration for tennis stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Rafa Nadal, and reflects on his dream of becoming a coach someday.
He’s already been a “virtual” coach, guiding Valencia to the Spanish title on Football Manager.
For now, though, he’s enjoying his time in London, where he lives with his girlfriend Marta near Tower Bridge.
They recently visited the Royal Albert Hall to see Cirque du Soleil.
“It was beautiful,” Soler says. “It’s nice to experience London as a regular person.
I can take the train, have a walk, grab a coffee, and just be part of the city.”
Settling In and Adapting to the Premier League
Soler’s move to West Ham came on the final day of the summer transfer window, a loan deal from PSG after his 2022 move from Valencia. The transition wasn’t easy.
From living in a hotel for a month to adapting to the physical demands of the Premier League, it took time for Soler to find his rhythm.
However, in recent weeks, he’s begun to show his quality, even scoring his first goal for the club in a victory over Fulham.
Growing up, Soler idolised Spanish midfielders like Cesc Fàbregas, Juan Mata, David Silva, and Santi Cazorla, who made their mark in the Premier League. Now, he hopes to follow in their footsteps.
“It’s been tough. Adapting to the intensity here is a challenge, but I’ve worked hard.
The second half against Villa was crazy—back and forth, non-stop.
But I’ve had to adjust, not just in football, but in life.”
He also credits his former coach Julen Lopetegui for bringing him to West Ham and acknowledges the fresh perspective Potter has brought.
“New managers always bring change,” Soler explains.
“But Potter’s ideas have captured my imagination.
He wants us to attack but with patience, building up play from side to side until we find space.
It’s a style I like—similar to Spanish football. I’ve learned something valuable from every manager I’ve had.”
The Influence of Potter and the Road Ahead
Soler has played under some big names, including Luis Enrique at PSG and Javi Gracia, the former Watford and Leeds boss.
He’s even sat on the bench under Gary Neville at Valencia, though he admits he doesn’t remember much about that experience.
With Potter in charge, Soler has noticed a shift, both in tactics and communication.
Potter is a hands-on manager who values transparency and direct conversations with his players.
“He’s changed a lot of things on the field, but it’s also the way he talks to us. He’s honest, and I really appreciate that.”
Soler also hints at how the team prepares for their opponents, watching plenty of videos and refining their approach on the pitch.
However, he’s careful not to give away too many secrets, laughing, “I can’t say much more, or Enzo Maresca will be watching!”
The Future: Uncertain, But Happy in London
Soler’s loan contract ends in the summer, and West Ham have the option to make it permanent.
When asked about his future, Soler stays diplomatic but admits he’s enjoying his time in London and playing for the club.
“I can’t say much about what comes next,” he says.
“Things can change quickly. But for now, I’m happy here.
I like London, I like the fans, and I enjoy being part of West Ham. That’s all I can say.”
As the conversation wraps up, Soler is asked to reflect on his time at PSG, particularly his experience playing alongside Lionel Messi in the 2022-23 season.
“He’s the best,” Soler says of Messi. “Playing with him, Neymar, Mbappé—it was unreal.
But even though they’re stars, they’re still normal people. Me? I can take public transport, but those guys can’t!”
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