Sweden take cautious approach with Graham Potter on contract until March

Former West Ham United boss Graham Potter is on the verge of returning to management after verbally agreeing to take charge of the Sweden national team, according to Expressen.

The report claims Sweden have reached a verbal agreement with the 50-year-old to replace Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was dismissed following a dismal international break that left the team bottom of their World Cup qualifying group. However, Potter’s initial contract is only set to run until March 2026, highlighting Sweden’s cautious approach after his turbulent stint in the Premier League.

Sweden are expected to confirm the appointment in the coming days, with Potter due to oversee matches against Switzerland and Slovenia in November. The short-term deal gives both sides the opportunity to reassess after the World Cup play-offs, should Sweden still be in contention.

While Potter’s tactical reputation remains strong, Sweden’s football federation appears wary of his recent struggles. His time at West Ham was marred by inconsistency — a brief spell that ended last month after just five wins in 16 matches across all competitions.

Potter’s contract length suggests a “trial period” approach, allowing Sweden to evaluate his impact before committing to a longer-term project. Federation officials reportedly see him as a high-risk, high-reward option — a coach capable of revitalising their tactical identity but still rebuilding his own credibility after two turbulent Premier League jobs.

His arrival represents a significant shift in direction for Sweden, who have traditionally favoured domestic coaches with experience in Scandinavian football. Potter, by contrast, brings a modern, possession-based philosophy — one he successfully implemented at Brighton & Hove Albion, though less so at Chelsea and West Ham.

Potter’s appeal lies in his reputation for developing structured, attack-minded teams that play with control and intelligence. Sweden’s attacking output has faltered in recent years, and Potter’s emphasis on progressive football could reinvigorate players such as Dejan Kulusevski, Alexander Isak, and Anthony Elanga.

Insiders within the Swedish FA see his appointment as a low-risk experiment: a tactical reset ahead of a critical phase. Should he inspire an immediate turnaround in results, discussions about extending his deal are expected to follow quickly.

From a financial and performance perspective, Sweden’s decision to keep the deal short-term is pragmatic. The national team currently faces one of its toughest transitional phases in decades, and results in the next three fixtures will likely determine whether Potter’s project continues beyond the spring.

There is also recognition that Potter himself may prefer flexibility. A short contract allows him to rebuild his managerial reputation on the international stage without long-term commitment, while remaining open to future club offers should his stock rise again.

This arrangement mirrors Sweden’s pragmatic footballing culture — a calculated gamble that aligns with their current need for quick results and limited financial exposure.

In my view, this is a smart yet cautious move from the Swedish FA. We believe Potter is one of Europe’s most innovative tacticians, but his recent experiences at Chelsea and West Ham justify the short-term arrangement. If he can stabilise the team and inject confidence into key players, his stay could easily be extended.

For Potter, it’s an ideal reset — a chance to restore his reputation in an environment that values tactical discipline and patience. For Sweden, it’s a rare opportunity to modernise their football identity under a manager who once redefined how mid-table clubs play in England.

Sweden are expected to confirm Potter’s appointment this week, with training camps scheduled ahead of crucial qualifiers next month. Should he guide the team into the play-off positions, an automatic contract extension could follow.

Failure, however, may see Sweden turn to domestic alternatives by spring 2026. For Potter, it’s a pivotal moment — one last chance to prove that his philosophy still delivers results at the highest level.

👉 Can Graham Potter revive Sweden’s World Cup hopes and rebuild his managerial reputation?