Potter extends with Sweden – now fateful matches and Norway duel await
Graham Potter has signed a new contract as Swedish national team manager. The new agreement binds him to Sweden until 2030 – and ensures continuity before crucial matches against both Norway and the World Cup dream.
The Englishman took over the Swedish men’s national team last autumn, after Jon Dahl Tomasson was fired as a result of a weak World Cup qualification. Now Potter has already gained renewed confidence, and will lead the blue and yellow through what will be a hectic year.
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Already at the end of the month, replay matches for a place in this summer’s World Cup playoffs await in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Then comes the match many Norwegians have noticed: On 1 June, Sweden will be ready at Ullevaal against Norway.
A club builder with a past in Swedish football
Potter is far from anyone in football Europe. He was brought to West Ham from Premier League rivals Brighton – a club he had led to new heights with his possession-based play and ability to develop young players.
However, his move to Chelsea was short-lived and unsuccessful. He only got seven months at the club before he was fired, despite leading the team to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
But it was in Sweden that Potter really made a name for himself as a coach. As manager of Östersund, he built a team from nothing – taking them to cup gold and sensationally far in the Europa League, with victories over teams like Arsenal and PAOK.
At that time, he conjured up a club culture based on art and theatre, and made Östersund the darling of all of Europe.
Now he is back in Sweden – this time as national team manager. And with a new contract until 2030, he will have time to make his mark on Swedish football.
World Cup dream and Norway meeting
First, two important matches await: a World Cup replay later in March, and then a Norwegian-Swedish showdown at Ullevaal on 1 June. For Potter and Sweden, this is an opportunity to show that they can once again be part of blending into the top of European football.
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