Graham Potter has been appointed the new Sweden boss on a short-term deal with the task of helping them qualify for the World Cup finals.
Potter replaces Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was dismissed last week following a 1-0 defeat at home to Kosovo that left Sweden bottom of Group B and struggling to qualify for next summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 50-year-old’s deal covers the remaining two pool matches as well as a potential play-off in March that Sweden could use as a fall-back after winning their Nations League group. His contract will automatically be extended to cover the World Cup should Sweden qualify.
“Together with the players, I want to realise the supporters’ dream of a tournament next summer,” he told the Swedish FA website.
“I am very humbled by the assignment, but also incredibly inspired. Sweden has fantastic players who deliver in the world’s best leagues. 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.”
Potter remains highly regarded in Sweden
Potter started his professional coaching career in Sweden, winning three promotions in four seasons at Ostersund, taking them from the fourth division to the top flight, while also winning a domestic cup in 2017.
He then enjoyed successful stints at Swansea and Brighton before two, ill-fated spells at Chelsea and West Ham. He was sacked by the Hammers last month after the club lost five of their opening six Premier League games.
Swedish FA chairman Simon Åström said: “It is still our goal to get to the World Cup next summer. Our hope is to play the play-offs in March and all the decisions we have made now have been made based on optimising the conditions to be able to reach our goal. We have worked focused on this process during the past week and with Graham Potter we get strong and experienced leadership that has been tested at the absolute highest level.”
Potter is tactically skilled – Kallstrom
Kim Källström, the head of football at the Swedish FA added: “It feels good that Graham is coming in as the coach of the men’s national team. We are all aware of the situation we are in, and believe that with his leadership skills he will bring the team together in a good way. He is tactically skilled at creating conditions for winning matches and has an ability to identify players’ strengths and how they interact in the best way.”
Sweden possess one of the best strikeforces in Europe with Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak costing a combined £180m last summer following their moves to Arsenal and Liverpool respectively.
Source link
Add Comment