Sacked West Ham boss Graham Potter appointed Sweden head coach
Former West Ham manager Graham Potter has been named as the new head coach of the Sweden national football team.
The 50-year-old Englishman has agreed to take charge on an initial short-term contract aimed at reviving Sweden’s struggling World Cup qualification hopes.
Potter takes charge amid qualification crisis
Sweden turned to Potter following the dismissal of Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was relieved of his duties after a 1-0 defeat to Kosovo on October 13, a result that ended their chances of automatic qualification.
However, the Scandinavian side could still reach the play-offs due to their impressive 2024/25 Nations League campaign, where they topped their group.
“Humbled but inspired” by the task ahead
Reacting to his appointment, Potter said: “I am very humbled by the assignment, but also incredibly inspired. Sweden has fantastic players who deliver in the world’s best leagues during the weeks.
“My job will be to create the conditions so that we as a team deliver at the highest level to take Sweden to the World Cup next summer.”
Familiar territory for Potter
Although his tenure at West Ham ended in disappointment, with five losses in six games leaving the club in the Premier League’s bottom three, Potter remains well-regarded in Sweden.
He built his reputation there by leading Östersund from the fourth division to the top flight within four seasons, capturing a domestic cup in 2017 and earning European recognition for the club’s attractive style of play.
His return to Sweden marks a reunion with a football culture that helped shape his managerial identity, as he now seeks to restore national pride and guide the Blågult back onto the world stage.
