Graham Potter reckons taking charge of the Swedish national team would represent a “fantastic opportunity” for himself. The former Chelsea, Brighton and West Ham boss is without a club after he departed London Stadium last month due to a dismal start to the campaign. He was shown the door in favour of Nuno Espirito Santo and remains on the hunt for a fresh challenge.
However, a new opportunity could be just around the corner, with Potter dropping hints that he would welcome the chance to become Sweden’s head coach. The Swedish FA are seeking a new manager after choosing to axe Jon Dahl Tomasson following a shocking 1-0 defeat to Kosovo in World Cup qualifying.
Having previously worked in Scandinavia with Ostersund, Potter has put himself forward for the position. He said: “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 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, obviously.”
Regarding what his next move might involve, Potter added: “I have accumulated a lot of experience so far and I’m very grateful for the career I have had so far.
“But I’m only 50 years old and I still have a lot to offer. It’s not about me finding a job at a specific level, but about wanting to find something where I feel I can help and where I can make a difference. I also want to feel that we [those involved] are on the same line. Those are my criteria.”
Should Potter take up the Sweden manager’s position, he would be reunited with numerous Premier League talents including Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.
The striker has struggled to find his rhythm this campaign after his blockbuster switch to Liverpool. And Reds legend John Aldridge has now cautioned that the moment has arrived for Isak to deliver the goods.
He declared: “During my playing days, people used to talk of needing a month or so to get up to match fitness over the summer and Isak will have had about six or seven weeks by the time Manchester United arrive at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
“OK, the games he has been involved in for Liverpool so far have all had something riding on them because they were not friendly fixtures, but it feels like the international break for Sweden will have helped him get fitter at club level.
“Now is the time for him to deliver. No more ‘excuses’. No more ‘explanations’. It’s United up next and there is no better time or team to show why you are one of the main men now at a club the size of Liverpool.”