Former Chelsea and West Ham United manager Graham Potter says the vacant Sweden post is a “fantastic opportunity” after Jon Dahl Tomasson was sacked on Tuesday.
Tomasson lasted a little less than 20 months in the job following a series of disappointing results. The Swedes have taken just one point from their opening four World Cup qualifiers, leaving them on the brink of missing the tournament for a second consecutive time.
A 1-0 defeat to Kosovo on Monday night was the final straw for the Swedish FA, who announced earlier this afternoon that the ex-AC Milan striker’s contract had been “terminated with immediate effect”. They said that new leadership was needed to help the team reach the play-offs.
Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter ‘open’ to Sweden job
Potter has seemingly thrown his hat into the ring following the decision. The 50-year-old is currently out of work after being sacked by West Ham earlier this month and is a well liked figure in Swedish football after taking Ostersund from the fourth tier to the top flight and into Europe earlier in his managerial career.
“I just heard the news. It’s sad, of course. For Swedish football and JDT,” he told Fotboll Skanelen (via Sport Witness).
“But yes. 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 the national team [head coach] of 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.”
Potter, though, only wants to take on a job where he feels he can make a difference after a thoroughly miserable time in charge of West Ham, with whom he won just six out of 25 games.
“I’m in a situation where the next thing I take on should be something that I really believe in,” the former Brighton boss said.
“I should feel that I can help and that I have support. I’m open to anything. I’ve gathered a lot of experience so far and I’m very grateful for the career I’ve had so far.”
