Graham Potter is reportedly on the verge of making a stunning return to management with the Swedish national team. The former Chelsea and West Ham boss has openly admitted his “feelings” for Sweden and is said to be the frontrunner to replace Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was sacked after a disastrous World Cup qualifying campaign left the Scandinavian side bottom of their group.
Potter to join Sweden
As per Swedish outlet, AftonBladet, Potter is closing in on a sensational international move as Sweden’s new manager following the dismissal of Tomasson. The Swedish FA (SvFF) confirmed the head coach’s sacking after a humiliating 1-0 defeat to Kosovo — their fourth consecutive game without a win — left the national team at the bottom of Group B in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Chairman Simon Astrom said the decision was driven by the need for “new leadership” to revive hopes of qualification through a potential playoff route in March. Potter, who has been out of work since leaving West Ham last month, is now the leading candidate to take over on a short-term basis. His appointment would reunite him with a country where he previously enjoyed remarkable success during his seven-year tenure at Ostersunds FK. The deal, if finalised, would see Potter tasked with salvaging Sweden’s faltering World Cup campaign and rekindling national pride.
AdvertisementGettySweden's World Cup qualifying disaster
Sweden’s World Cup qualifying campaign has spiralled into chaos, prompting the first managerial dismissal in the country’s history. Their shock loss to Kosovo, compounded by a 2-0 home defeat to Switzerland, has left the team’s hopes hanging by a thread. Despite boasting Premier League stars like Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, and Lucas Bergvall, the team has failed to produce results under Tomasson’s leadership.
SvFF head Kim Kallstrom stated that while the team retains potential, “football is results-based, and we have reached a point where results are not enough.” Potter’s potential appointment represents both a return to familiar territory and a bid for redemption following difficult spells at Chelsea and West Ham.
Potter's Swedish history
Potter’s links to Swedish football run deep, and his affection for the nation has been well-documented. Speaking to Fotbollskanalen earlier this week, the 50-year-old said: “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.” It was in Sweden that Potter rose to prominence, famously taking Ostersunds FK from the fourth division to the top flight and into European competition. His innovative methods — blending tactical sophistication with player development and off-field cultural activities — earned him plaudits across Europe.
After leaving Ostersund in 2018, he managed Swansea and Brighton before high-pressure stints at Chelsea and West Ham. Although his reputation took a hit following a poor run of results in London, his admiration for Sweden and its football culture has remained unwavering, making this potential reunion as much emotional as professional.
(C)Getty ImagesWhat comes next?
Sweden’s immediate priority is to secure a playoff path to the 2026 World Cup, and Potter’s arrival could inject the belief and structure required to make that possible. The national team’s Nations League ranking still offers a glimmer of hope — if six higher-ranked teams qualify automatically, Sweden could gain a second chance to reach the finals.
For Potter, this opportunity represents a fresh start after a difficult chapter in English football. His brief tenure at West Ham ended in disappointment, winning just six of 25 matches and leaving the Hammers 19th in the Premier League. However, his track record of rebuilding teams and instilling a clear identity could prove invaluable on the international stage.
If appointed, Potter would inherit a squad with technical quality but fragile confidence — and with figures like Isak, Gyokeres, and Victor Lindelof at his disposal, the foundations are strong. A successful short-term turnaround could not only resurrect Sweden’s World Cup hopes but also rebuild Potter’s managerial reputation.
