Graham Potter Emerges as Leading Candidate to Coach Swedish National Football Team
English coach Graham Potter is a leading candidate to replace Jon Dahl Tomasson as Sweden's national football team head coach, with multiple potential successors under consideration.
- • Jon Dahl Tomasson was dismissed due to poor World Cup qualifier results.
- • Graham Potter expressed strong interest in coaching Sweden again and is currently in Sweden.
- • Other candidates include Kim Bergstrand, Thomas Lagerlöf, Henrik Rydström, and Peter Gerhardsson.
- • Swedish Football Association is compiling a list; fan groups show optimism about new leadership.
Key details
Following the dismissal of Jon Dahl Tomasson as head coach of the Swedish national football team due to disappointing World Cup qualifier performances, English coach Graham Potter has surfaced as a prominent candidate for the position. Potter, who currently resides in Sweden, expressed enthusiasm about the role, stating, "It would be fantastic" to take over the national team. He highlighted that he is "open to everything where I feel I can help" and that financial considerations would not hinder him from accepting the job. Potter's coaching credentials include leading Östersunds FK from the lower divisions to the Allsvenskan, winning the Swedish Cup, and subsequent management roles in the English Premier League with clubs like Swansea, Brighton, Chelsea, and West Ham (101403, 100437).
Besides Potter, several other potential candidates have been named. These include Kim Bergstrand and Thomas Lagerlöf, noted for their successful period at Djurgården; Henrik Rydström, recently sacked from Malmö but known for winning two championships; and Peter Gerhardsson, former coach of the women’s national team interested in continuing his career. Veteran coach Lars Lagerbäck has ruled out a return, while Åge Hareide could be a temporary choice. Former coach Janne Andersson also retains fan support. Other figures such as Olof Mellberg, Pia Sundhage, Henrik Larsson, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are in the mix, each bringing different experiences and possibilities (100437).
The Swedish Football Association (SvFF) has refrained from commenting on specific candidates but acknowledged they are compiling a list of potential successors. Supporter groups like Camp Sweden have welcomed the coaching change with hopes for renewed team spirit and improved results, despite recent fan protests against former leadership. Former player Mikael Lustig has also advocated for a fresh tactical approach and leadership (101403, 101400).
Overall, Potter's history with Swedish football, his current availability, and the positive endorsements from analysts like SVT's Jonas Eriksson position him as a top contender. The selection process continues with several renowned potential coaches considered for leading Sweden in upcoming World Cup qualifiers and beyond.