Graham Potter could find out within the next four weeks whether he is due for a speedy return to management following his sacking by Premier League strugglers West Ham United.
As Nuno Espirito Santo prepares for Monday’s London derby against Brentford – his first London Stadium outing as the Hammers head coach – Graham Potter is back in Sweden taking a much-needed break.
Some time for reflection and introspection, on the back of a disastrous eight-month reign which came crashing down following five defeats in six matches to start the new Premier League campaign.
Though such is the nature of modern football – former West Ham United goalkeeper Joe Hart highlighted the speed of Nuno’s appointment, on the same day as Potter’s dismissal – the one-time Chelsea, Brighton and Swansea City coach could be starting a new job as early as November.
Speaking to Fotbollskanalen on Tuesday, Potter admitted he was ‘open’ to the Sweden job. And, following the sacking of Jon Dahl Tomasson this week, the nation’s Director of Professional Football Kim Kallstrom confirms the plan is to have a new man in the dugout by next month’s international break.
Former West Ham United boss Graham Potter could be Sweden manager next month
Tomasson lost his job following a 1-0 home defeat by Kosovo.
This means that, while South Africa, Qatar, Egypt and even Cape Verde have secured their place at the 2026 World Cup, a Sweden side boasting such talent as Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak need a miracle.
Should he get the gig, Potter would be under pressure to deliver results from day one. Sweden are bottom of their qualifying group, six points off the play-offs, ahead of November’s double header against Switzerland and Slovenia.
But, with time of the essence, no wonder Kallstrom and co are keen to have a new face in charge as soon as possible.
“What we have worked hard on is ensuring that we have professional processes throughout the football association, and to be prepared for this type of process to be initiated at short notice,” one-time Arsenal loanee Kallstrom tells Radiosporten.
“We always need to have that. [We need to move fast in case we want] a coach whose contract is expiring. It could be because we have a coach who is being courted from elsewhere and wants to leave for other assignments.
“We keep all possibilities open and do not close any doors.”
Potter admits he is ‘open’ to leading Sweden’s World Cup charge
Potter retains an extremely good reputation in Scandinavia. He made his name as a head coach, after all, while taking Ostersunds from the fourth tier of Swedish football into the Europa League knockout stages, beating Arsenal along the way.
“I just heard the news [about Jon Dahl Tomasson]. It’s sad, of course. For Swedish football and ‘JDT’,” Potter said on Tuesday.
“I’m actually in Sweden right now, in my house in Sweden. I’m between jobs and just left the Premier League. I’m open to anything, really, where I feel I can help. The job as national team captain 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.
“So yes, it would be a fantastic opportunity for me. Of course.”
Former Hammers boss explains what he wants from new role
Potter was linked with the Rangers job recently, but appears out of contention for a move to Ibrox at this stage.
“I’m in a position where the next thing I take on should be something that I really believe in,” the 50-year-old added. “I should feel like I can help and that I have support. I’m open to anything.
“I also want to feel that we [those involved] are on the same page. Those are my criteria. I have no expectations [that the Swedish FA will call me]. I’m sure they will do their job and see what’s best for Swedish football.
“From the outside, I wish them all the best because I have enormous respect for Sweden and Swedish football.
“I’ve worked in the country for seven years and spent a lot of time in different parts of the country. Sweden has played a huge, huge role in my career. And in my life. I am forever grateful for that.
“I’m open to anything right now. I’m looking forward to the next challenge.”
