Sweden’s search for a new national team manager has taken yet another dramatic turn as former Premier League coach Graham Potter publicly stated that he is open to succeeding Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was dismissed as Sweden’s head coach following a poor start in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Tomasson was relieved of his duties after Sweden collected only one point from four matches, leaving them bottom of their group.
Potter, 50, said in an interview with Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen that, while he has not yet been contacted by the Swedish Football Association (SvFF), he would consider the role if it presents an opportunity where he feels he can make a difference. Speaking from his home in Sweden, he expressed his deep affection for the country and its football culture.
“I have feelings for Sweden. I love the country, and I love Swedish football,” he said. “The job as national team captain for the Swedish national team is fantastic… I have a lot to be grateful for towards Swedish football. So yes, it would be a fantastic opportunity for me.”
Potter’s connection to Sweden runs deep. He began his managerial career at Östersunds FK, where he spent over seven years, from 2011 to 2018, guiding the club from the lower tiers of Swedish football all the way into the top flight and into European competition. That remarkable rise remains one of the high points of his coaching career and left a lasting legacy in Sweden’s football circles.
Since being let go by West Ham United in late September, Potter—who earlier had short spells at Chelsea—finds himself between jobs and free to consider roles that align with his values and where he believes he can effect positive change.
“I’m between jobs and just left the Premier League. I’m open to anything, really, where I feel I can help,” he said. He insisted that financial considerations would not be a decisive factor, adding that he is in a stable position in that regard. “It’s reached the level that I don’t have to consider the economy as a reason to take a job or not.”
For the Swedish Football Association, the decision to part ways with Tomasson is seen as necessary following a string of disappointing results. Sweden’s loss at home to Kosovo, combined with earlier shortcomings in qualification, left the national side in an untenable position. Simon Åström, chair of the SvFF, confirmed that the men’s senior team had “not delivered the results we hoped for.”
Should Potter be formally approached, the job before him would be no easy task. Sweden are trailing in their World Cup qualifying group, with expectations still alive via possible playoff routes, but much depends on a rapid turnaround in form and morale. Rebuilding confidence among the players, tightening up performances, and rekindling attacking threat—areas Sweden have struggled with—will be high on the agenda for any incoming manager.
It remains to be seen whether the SvFF will initiate formal talks with Potter. In Swedish media, he is being mentioned among several candidates, both domestic and foreign. Names such as Olof Mellberg, Henrik Rydström, and Jens Gustafsson are being floated.