Former West Ham boss Graham Potter is reportedly on the verge of returning to management as the next head coach of the Swedish national football team. The 50-year-old Englishman, who was sacked by the Hammers in September after a disappointing spell, has expressed his love and admiration for Sweden, calling it a country that shaped his coaching career. Talks are said to be progressing rapidly, with Potter emerging as the leading candidate to replace Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was dismissed earlier this week following a disastrous World Cup qualifying campaign.
According to reports from Swedish outlet Aftonbladet, the Swedish Football Association (SvFF) is moving swiftly to finalize Graham Potter’s appointment after the national team’s 1-0 defeat to Kosovo — their fourth game without a win — left them bottom of Group B with just one point from four matches. The federation’s chairman, Simon Astrom, said the decision to remove Tomasson was motivated by a need for “new leadership” capable of reigniting Sweden’s World Cup hopes.
Graham Potter Profile
- Name: Graham Potter
- Age: 50
- Nationality: English
- Current Status: In talks to become Sweden head coach
- Former Clubs Managed: Ostersunds FK, Swansea City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, West Ham United
- Notable Achievement in Sweden: Led Ostersunds FK from the fourth tier to the Allsvenskan and won the Swedish Cup in 2017
- Potential Appointment: Sweden National Football Team
- Key Objective: Revive Sweden’s 2026 World Cup qualification hopes
Sweden’s poor World Cup qualifying run
Sweden’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign has been nothing short of disastrous. After a promising Nations League run, expectations were high, but results quickly turned sour. The team suffered a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland and a shocking 1-0 home loss to Kosovo, following earlier setbacks against Slovenia. Despite possessing attacking talent like Alexander Isak of Liverpool and Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal, Sweden’s performances lacked cohesion and cutting edge under Tomasson.
This poor form prompted the Swedish FA to act decisively. For the first time in their recent history, they dismissed a head coach mid-campaign. The move underscores the urgency to restore confidence before the playoff stages begin next year. The national team’s strong Nations League ranking still provides a potential path to qualification, and Potter’s appointment could be the spark they need to turn things around.
Potter’s connection with Swedish football
Former West Ham boss Graham Potter is no stranger to Swedish football. His managerial journey began in Sweden, where he famously transformed Ostersunds FK from a fourth-tier club into one of the country’s top teams. During his seven-year tenure from 2011 to 2018, Potter guided Ostersunds to the Allsvenskan, won the Swedish Cup in 2017, and even took the club into European competition. His innovative coaching style, which emphasized tactical intelligence and team-building through off-field cultural activities, won him widespread acclaim.
Speaking to Fotbollskanalen earlier this week, Potter revealed his affection for the nation, saying, “I’m open to anything where I feel I can help. The job as manager for the Swedish national team is fantastic. I have feelings for Sweden. I love the country and I love Swedish football. I have a lot to be grateful for towards Swedish football.”
This emotional connection, combined with his proven ability to build competitive teams from the ground up, makes him an ideal candidate for the role.
Potter’s career path after Sweden
After leaving Ostersund, Graham Potter moved to England, where he managed Swansea City in the Championship. His attacking style and focus on player development caught the attention of Premier League clubs, leading to his appointment at Brighton & Hove Albion. At Brighton, he earned praise for improving the team’s performances and tactical discipline, guiding them to mid-table stability.
In 2022, he took over at Chelsea following Thomas Tuchel’s departure. However, his time at Stamford Bridge was short-lived, lasting only seven months due to inconsistent results. In early 2025, he joined West Ham United but managed just six wins from 25 matches, leading to his dismissal. Despite those setbacks, Potter’s reputation as an intelligent, forward-thinking coach remains strong, particularly in Sweden where he is remembered fondly for his success and personality.
If the deal is finalized, Potter will inherit a talented but underperforming squad. Key players such as Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, and captain Victor Lindelof have the technical ability to compete with Europe’s best, but they need tactical clarity and confidence. Potter’s arrival is expected to bring structure, creativity, and belief back into the squad.
The immediate challenge will be to secure a playoff spot through the UEFA Nations League pathway. If six higher-ranked teams qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup, Sweden could earn a second chance via playoffs. Graham Potter’s task will be to stabilize the team, restore morale, and implement his philosophy in a short timeframe.
For the coach himself, the Sweden job offers both emotional and professional redemption. After turbulent experiences at Chelsea and West Ham, leading a national side where he first made his name could rejuvenate his career.
A potential reunion
Former West Ham boss Graham Potter’s return to Sweden would be more than a managerial appointment — it would be a homecoming. His legacy in the country remains strong, and fans view him as a coach who transformed Swedish club football through modern ideas and cultural awareness. If he can replicate that magic on the international stage, Sweden could yet revive their World Cup hopes and reestablish themselves as a force in European football.
As discussions move rapidly, Swedish media report that an official announcement could arrive soon. Should Graham Potter take the job, his debut could come in the upcoming international window, marking the beginning of a new chapter for both him and Swedish football.
FAQs
1. Who is Graham Potter?
Graham Potter is an English football manager best known for his innovative coaching style. He has managed clubs including Ostersunds FK, Brighton, Chelsea, and West Ham United.
2. Why was Jon Dahl Tomasson sacked as Sweden manager?
Tomasson was dismissed following a poor World Cup qualifying campaign that left Sweden bottom of Group B with just one point from four matches.
3. Why is Graham Potter linked with the Sweden job?
Potter has strong ties to Swedish football from his successful years at Ostersunds FK, where he achieved remarkable results and developed a strong connection with the country.
4. What are Sweden’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup?
Despite a difficult start, Sweden could still qualify through the UEFA Nations League playoff route if results in other groups go their way.
5. When will the Swedish FA confirm the new head coach?
Talks are ongoing, but reports from Swedish media suggest that an announcement regarding Potter’s appointment could be made in the coming weeks.