Graham Potter was sacked by West Ham less than a month ago, but the ex-Chelsea and Brighton boss has already found his next job -and the challenge of getting Alexander Isak back to his best awaits
Neil Docking
13:17, 20 Oct 2025
Alexander Isak has struggled since joining Premier League champions Liverpool
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Alexander Isak has struggled since joining Premier League champions Liverpool
Graham Potter will have the task of getting misfiring Liverpool forward Alexander Isak back to his best after the English coach was confirmed as the new manager of Sweden.
The 50-year-old was dismissed by West Ham less than a month ago and is now set to embark on his first venture into international football. The former Chelsea boss will step into the role on a temporary basis as Sweden struggle with their World Cup qualification campaign.
Jon Dahl Tomasson was shown the door after a loss to Kosovo left Sweden unable to secure automatic qualification from Group B. Potter's mission will be to revitalise players like Isak, who is yet to score in the Premier League since his controversial £125m British transfer record move from Newcastle United to Liverpool, and Viktor Gyokeres - himself on a six-game goal drought for Arsenal - as they strive to overtake Kosovo in second place.
Upon his appointment, Potter said: 'I am very humble about the assignment, but also inspired. Sweden have fantastic players who deliver in the best leagues every week. 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, currently without a win, have only one point from their first four matches and need victories against Switzerland and Slovenia to stand a chance. Despite this, they can still make it to the play-offs without finishing second, thanks to topping their 2024/25 Nations League group. Regardless, Swedish officials will be hoping that Potter can inject some much-needed energy into the team.
Graham Potter on the touchline
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Graham Potter on the touchline(Image: PA Wire)
Potter's recent stint in the Premier League as Brighton's coach didn't yield much success. He suffered five defeats in six games, leaving West Ham in the relegation zone, and managed just six wins in 23 matches during his time with the Irons.
However, Potter has previously lived in Sweden and earned an impressive coaching reputation there. The ex-full-back guided Ostersund from the fourth tier of Swedish football to the top-flight, even securing a victory over Arsenal in the Europa League.
In a chat with Swedish media outlet Fotbollskanalen, Potter expressed his interest in the recently vacated international role. "I'm actually in Sweden right now, in my house in Sweden," he revealed.
Having just left the Premier League and currently between jobs, he stated: "I'm between jobs and just left the Premier League. I'm open to anything, really, where I feel I can help. The job as head coach of the Swedish national team is fantastic."
Alexander Isak during Liverpool vs Manchester United
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Alexander Isak failed to impress again as Liverpool lost to Manchester United(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Potter confessed his affection for Sweden, saying: "I have feelings for Sweden. I love the country and I love Swedish football. I have a lot to be grateful for towards Swedish football. So yes, it would be a fantastic opportunity for me, obviously."
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When asked about his next potential role, Potter added: "I have accumulated a lot of experience so far and I'm very grateful for the career I have had so far.
"But I'm only 50-years-old and I still have a lot to offer. It's not about me finding a job at a specific level, but about wanting to find something where I feel I can help and where I can make a difference. I also want to feel that we [those involved] are on the same line. Those are my criteria."