Potter open to vacant Sweden manager role following West Ham sacking

Former West Ham United boss Graham Potter is open to the possibility of managing the Sweden national team following the sacking of Jon Dahl Tomasson earlier this week. 

Tomasson was relieved of his duties on Tuesday following Sweden's 1-0 defeat to Kosovo in a World Cup qualifier, leaving them bottom of Group B after four matches. 

The former Blackburn Rovers boss oversaw 18 matches in charge of Sweden in all competitions, winning nine (D2 L7), but three consecutive defeats saw his tenure end. 

Potter, meanwhile, is looking for work after being dismissed by West Ham in September after just eight months in charge following a poor start to the Premier League season. 

He departed with the second-lowest win percentage rate among Hammers bosses taking charge of more than one top-flight game (26.1%), higher only than Avram Grant (18.9%).

Tomasson was the first foreign head coach to lead Sweden since the creation of the role, but Potter does have previous experience of managing in the country. 

The 50-year-old managed Ostersund for seven years, taking them from the fourth division to Allsvenskan before leaving for Championship side Swansea City in 2018. 

"I'm between jobs and open to anything where I feel I can contribute," Potter told Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen from his house in Sweden.

"I have strong feelings for Sweden. I have a lot to be thankful for when it comes to Swedish football.

"Two of my children were born here. I've experienced several different leagues here. I feel I have a deep understanding of the country and its football culture."

Despite boasting the attacking talent of Liverpool's Alexander Isak and Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres, Sweden have struggled in the final third during World Cup qualifying thus far. 

Indeed, of sides to have played four or more games in the UEFA section of qualifying, only Luxembourg, Malta, San Marino (all one) and Liechtenstein (0) have scored fewer goals than Sweden's two (level with seven other nations). 

That leaves them at risk of missing out on back-to-back appearances at FIFA's flagship tournament for the third time in their history. 

Sweden face Switzerland and Slovenia in their two remaining qualifiers next month. 

"I'm at a point where the next thing I take on has to be something I truly believe in," Potter added.

"I need to feel I can help and that I'll be supported. I've gained a lot of experience so far, and I'm very grateful for the career I've had.

"But I'm only 50, and I still have a lot to offer. It's not about finding a job at a specific level, but finding something where I feel I can make a difference."

Potter also denied media reports that he had already spoken to the Swedish federation, insisting that a financial incentive would not affect his decision. 

"I've been fortunate to have the career I've had. That means I'm in a very good financial position," Potter said.

"It's reached a point where I don't have to consider money as a reason to take or not take a job."