Graham Potter agrees quick managerial return after West Ham sacking

Former West Ham head coach Graham Potter is set to take charge of the Swedish national team on a short-term basis.

The 50-year-old was sacked by the Hammers last month after overseeing just one victory in the East London club’s first six Premier League fixtures. Potter’s stint at West Ham was pretty disastrous, and his dismissal seemed inevitable for some time.

However, he is now set for a quick return to the dugout. According to Fabrizio Romano and Ben Jacobs, Potter is close to taking over the Swedish national team after the sacking of Jon Dahl Tomasson, who became the first-ever manager to be fired by the Swedish FA.

Sweden have so far only recorded one point from four World Cup qualifiers, losing twice to Kosovo and once to Switzerland. It was this second loss to Kosovo on Monday which cost Dahl Tomasson his job.

Despite Sweden’s disastrous performances so far, they can still qualify for the tournament in North America via the playoffs, and this is what Potter will have to achieve if he is to get the job full-time.

Potter joins Sweden on short-term deal

The 50-year-old’s arrangement with Sweden will initially be on a short-term basis until March. Depending on the results in the upcoming fixtures, it will then be decided whether to continue together or part ways again.

Potter has made no secret of the fact that he would jump at the opportunity to coach Sweden after his West Ham sacking. The same day Dahl Tomasson was dismissed, the Englishman threw his hat in the ring while speaking to local media.

“I just heard the news [about Dahl Tomasson],” he told Fotbollskanalen. “It’s sad, of course, for Swedish football and JDT. But yes [I would be interested]. 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 national team coach for Sweden would be 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.”

His affinity for the country stems from the fact that he made his name by coaching Ostersund for seven years between 2011 and 2018. He built a sparkling reputation in Sweden, but his recent jobs at Chelsea and West Ham have seen his stock depreciate.

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