Graham Potter has been appointed as Sweden's head coach on a short-term contract, with the primary objective of qualifying for the World Cup. The 50-year-old, who was dismissed by West Ham less than a month ago, will lead the team for the final two qualifiers next month. His deal will be extended to cover the playoffs and next summer's tournament should Sweden secure their place.
Sweden currently sit at the bottom of their qualifying group with just one point from four matches. They face Switzerland away on 15 November and then host Slovenia three days later. Despite their poor group standing, Sweden could still reach the playoffs via the Nations League, having won Group C1. The 12 group runners-up will be joined by the four best-ranked Nations League section winners in March's playoffs.
Potter takes over from Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was sacked after Sweden lost 2-0 to Switzerland and 1-0 to Kosovo this month. The squad includes Liverpool's Alexander Isak and Arsenal's Viktor Gyökeres. Potter has prior experience in Swedish football, having spent seven successful years with Östersund from 2011. He has since managed Swansea, Brighton, Chelsea, and West Ham.
“I am very humble about the assignment, but also inspired,” Potter said. “Sweden has fantastic players who deliver in the best leagues every week. My job will be to create the conditions so that we as a team deliver at the highest level to take Sweden to the World Cup next summer.”
