Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter set for shock return to management

James Shearman

• Updated: 2 Nov 2023 18:24 GMT
• 3 min read

Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is on the Sweden FA's shortlist for the men's national team managerial position.

Sweden are looking for a replacement for Janne Andersson, who is leaving after failing to qualify for Euro 2024.

Instead, Belgium and Austria have qualified from Group F, with Sweden accruing just one point in four games against those two opponents.

Andersson will remain in charge for Sweden's upcoming games against Azerbaijan and Estonia before stepping aside.

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It was Swedish FA secretary general Andrea Mollerberg that revealed Potter was among the candidates for the post.

"You can say this, the list of names that have been sent to me or that I am reading, it is clear that [Potter] is part of that list," Mollerberg told Swedish channel TV4.

"We'll see what we filter down and who is interested in this role.

"You probably have to be passionate about wanting to be the national team coach, especially given that it is different from club football.

"You may have to be ready with certain parts."

Potter will face competition from Elfsborg manager Jimmy Thelin, according to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet.

Meanwhile, Jens Gustafsson, head coach of Polish side Pogon Szczecin, and Djurgarden's Kim Bergstrand and Thomas Lagerlof are also thought to be in contention.

It is unknown whether the Englishman would be interested in the role, especially amid links to Manchester United.

Potter's Swedish history

Potter has previous of coaching in Sweden, taking charge of Ostersunds between 2011 and 2018.

The 48-year-old led the club from the fourth tier all the way to the top division.

He also won the Swedish Cup in 2017, which meant qualification for the following season's Europa League - where he beat Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Potter eventually left Ostersunds for Swansea in the Sky Bet Championship, where his progressive playing style caught the eye of Brighton - who he managed prior to joining Chelsea.