Graham Potter keen on Sweden job after sacking of Jon Dahl Tomasson

Graham Potter has said he would be interested in taking over as Sweden’s new manager because he “loves” the country that gave him his first opportunity in coaching.

Former Blackburn manager Jon Dahl Tomasson was sacked on Tuesday after a disastrous start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, with a 1-0 defeat at home to Kosovo leaving Sweden bottom of their group. It is less than a month since Potter left West Ham after winning six of his 23 Premier League games, with the former Chelsea manager having lasted just 31 games at Stamford Bridge.

But while the 50-year-old was out of work for more than 18 months before taking over from Julen Lopetegui at West Ham, Potter has indicated that he could be looking for an immediate return to management with Sweden. He spent seven years in charge of Östersund, guiding them from the fourth tier to the top flight and into Europe before leaving for Swansea in 2018.

When asked by Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen whether he would be interested in succeeding Tomasson, Potter said: “I’m open to anything where I feel I can help. The job as a 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 in Swedish football. So yes, that would be a great opportunity for me, of course.”

Sweden look set to have to rely on a playoff spot they almost guaranteed by winning their Nations League group having been beaten twice by Kosovo in their qualifying campaign. The Swedish Football Association’s chair Simon Åström said in a statement that Tomasson had not “delivered the results we hoped for” and that new leadership was required – the first time they have sacked a manager of the men’s senior team.

Potter, whose contract at Brighton cost Chelsea £16m to buy out when he joined them in 2022 – said that he had yet to be contacted about the post but dismissed concerns that his salary may put him out of contention.

“I was lucky enough to have the career I had. This has meant that I am financially in a very good position. It has reached the level that I don’t have to consider the economy as a reason to take a job or not,” he said.

“My motivation is more about whether I can help. If I feel that there is something you can achieve together, that is the most important thing for me. My seven years in Sweden has been a great part of my life. Two of my children were born here, I have a house here in Sweden and I have experienced several different series in the country.

“I feel like I have a deep understanding of the country and football culture. I’m a supporter of Swedish football and the country. I want Sweden to be successful.”

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