Former West Ham United manager Graham Potter has been named Sweden’s new head coach, Afrosport reports.
The 50-year-old has signed a short-term deal and says he’s eager to help Sweden rediscover their best form, with a mission to revive their fading hopes of reaching next summer’s World Cup in North America.
“I am very humbled by the assignment but also incredibly inspired,” said Potter after his appointment on Monday. “Sweden has fantastic players who deliver in the world’s best leagues during the weeks.
“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.”
Sweden have been without a coach since Jon Dahl Tomasson was dismissed following a shock 1-0 defeat to Kosovo on 13 October — a result that ended their chances of automatic qualification.
However, they could still make the play-offs thanks to their strong Nations League performance last season, where they finished top of their group.
Potter, who was sacked by West Ham in September after winning just six of 23 matches, is still held in high regard in Sweden. He previously enjoyed a remarkable spell with Ostersund, guiding the club from the fourth tier to the Allsvenskan and lifting the Swedish Cup in 2017.
The Englishman later managed Swansea, Brighton, and Chelsea before his brief stint at West Ham.
Potter’s first test as Sweden boss will come away to Switzerland on 15 November, followed by a home game against Slovenia three days later. The Swedes currently sit bottom of Group B with one point from four matches.
