After his stints in the Premier League with clubs like Chelsea and West Ham, the Swedish Football Association brought Potter in to rescue their faltering World Cup qualifying campaign that was left in ruins, mainly on the back of two embarrassing defeats against Kosovo.
His appointment as the head coach of the Sweden national team appeared to be the most natural choice, judging from his legendary historical success in Swedish football.
Potter built his managerial reputation during a legendary seven-year spell (2011–2018) with Swedish club Ostersunds FK, in which he miraculously brought them from the fourth tier of Swedish football to the top-flight Allsvenskan, won the Swedish Cup, and famously defeated Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the Europa League.
Unlike most foreign managers, Potter speaks Swedish, owns a home in the country, and two of his children were born there. “I feel very Swedish when I’m working," says Potter. Hence, it seemed like a match made in heaven when the Swedes decided to bring in Potter as head coach to replace former Danish international Jon Dahl Tomasson, who in Sweden was regarded as a "Danish spy" sent in to derail the Swedish qualifying campaign.
In almost miraculous circumstances, Potter worked his magic to get the Swedish campaign back on track through playoff wins against Ukraine and Poland as the Scandinavians became the first country ever to qualify for the World Cup following a winless group stage. Everything seemed fine and dandy, and in March, Potter extended his contract for the summer of 2030.
However, beneath the seemingly harmonious relationship between the Swedish FA and Potter, there is trouble lurking in the shadows.
If Sweden crashes out in the Round of 32 (which seems likely, as they appear destined to face either Germany or France), they will be left with a coach whose immediate impact clearly quickly wore off, despite his extensive knowledge of Swedish football.
On the other hand, if the Swedes succeed, they will be left with another problem on their hands, as success at the World Cup will no doubt put Potter's name in the bracket for a return to the Premier League or a big club in Europe that can offer wages which the Swedish FA can't compete with.
Former Arsenal midfielder and current Head of Football for the Swedish FA, Kim Kallstrom, says he is aware of the dilemma. "I think our collaboration is extremely good, and I feel that Graham is very happy and enthusiastic about being the Swedish national team coach, which is the reason why he enjoys being in this environment", said Kallstrom to Fotbollskanalen.se
"I have been involved in this sport for a long time, and we all know how it works. There is nothing definitive in football, but our ambition is for Graham to be with us as long as we can", says Kallstrom.
The association's general secretary, Niclas Carlnen, makes no secret of the fact that Potter has a name in Europe and can attract interest from big clubs.
"We knew that when we signed with Potter. My experience is that when you have employees who do a good job, they become interesting to others, and that has also contributed to our success", says Carlnen.
"Those opportunities and risks exist, but then we handle them when it comes. It naturally depends on what offer he would receive. I would say that we have a great dialogue and know the conditions. I hope that he will be our national team coach for a long time to come.
"You can never be sure. This applies to all employees. If an employee receives a fantastic offer, then you must discuss it. It is clear that we have an agreement that is quite clear about what applies (if interest arises), but my experience of elite football is that you talk about everything and find a solution based on that. But we have no other ambition than for Graham to stay with us."
Sweden will face Japan on Friday morning 01.00 CET, in a crucial fixture that will play a part in determining the top three spots in Group F.
