Former chelsea manager Graham Potter is reportedly on the verge of making a stunning return to management with the Swedish national team.
Potter who was recently fired at West Ham United 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.
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. According to the latest report from Swedish outlet, AftonBladet, Potter is closing in on becoming Sweden’s new manager.
Graham Potter was recently sacked as West Ham United manager . (Photo by Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images)
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.
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 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.
