'I have feelings' - Graham Potter declares interest in taking national team job after manager sacked for awful World Cup qualifying campaign

Fisnik Asllani’s first-half strike sealed a historic double for Kosovo, plunging the Swedes into despair and ending Tomasson’s turbulent reign after just 18 games in charge. The result sparked outrage among fans and unrest inside the dressing room, with senior stars reportedly turning against the former AC Milan forward in the aftermath of yet another dismal showing. Hours later, the Swedish Football Association (SvFF) confirmed Tomasson’s immediate dismissal; the first managerial sacking in the nation’s history. And SvFF chairman Simon Astrom didn’t mince his words when explaining the brutal decision.

"The decision taken by the Swedish Football Association is based on the fact that the men's national team has not delivered the results we hoped for," he said. "There is still a chance for a playoff in March and our responsibility is to ensure that we have the best possible conditions to be able to reach a World Cup final. In this regard, we believe that new leadership is required."

Meanwhile,  head of the Swedish federation Kim Kallstrom added: "We have a group of players that we believe in very much and want to create new opportunities for them to deliver. We have faith that this team can make it to the World Cup if the chance for the playoffs is there in March. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jon for this period. Jon has been professional in his relationship with the players, the leaders in the national team staff and with SvFF. It is always sad to go our separate ways, but football is results-based and we have reached a point where results are not enough."

Reports from local outlet SportBladet paint a picture of a fractured squad and a dressing room in open revolt. Players are said to have lost faith in Tomasson’s tactics, with several publicly voicing frustration at the team’s muddled approach. Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga said: "We have worked on a system, on how we are going to play. Then it may look a little different when you are on the field. It is also us who are on the field who have to take responsibility."

Tomasson insisted on using a 3-5-2 formation instead of Sweden’s traditional 4-4-2; a decision that backfired spectacularly. The team looked disjointed, exposed on the flanks, and frequently caught out on counter-attacks. Borussia Dortmund’s Daniel Svensson, a natural wing-back, was bizarrely deployed in central midfield against Kosovo, a move that stunned fans and players alike. Svensson later admitted they hadn’t even trained for that setup, revealing Tomasson only announced his starting XI two hours before kick-off. "It may have happened at some point in my career," Tottenham Hotspur's Lucas Bergvall said. "It doesn't have a big impact on me but I can't speak to everyone else."

Into this chaos steps Potter. The 50-year-old has openly expressed his desire to take charge of Sweden, the country where he first made his name as a manager. He spent seven years taking tiny Ostersund from obscurity into a European fairytale, guiding them to Europa League glory nights and earning a reputation as one of football’s brightest minds. 

Speaking to Fotbollskanalen, Potter said: "I’m open to anything where I feel I can help. The job as (manager) for the Swedish national team is fantastic. 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.”

Potter’s managerial career since leaving Sweden has been a rollercoaster. After a brief but impressive stint at Swansea, he took Brighton to new heights in the Premier League before enduring a bruising spell at Chelsea. Most recently, he managed West Ham United, where results proved elusive. Potter was dismissed in September after just six wins in 25 matches, but the coach insists he’s ready for his next chapter.

“I’m in a very good position financially,” he continued. “It’s gotten to the point where I don’t have to consider finances as a reason to take a job or not.”

All is not lost for Sweden. Thanks to their Nations League success, where they topped their group, they are likely to secure a playoff berth for the 2026 World Cup, provided six other group winners qualify automatically. With two group matches remaining against Switzerland and Slovenia, Sweden cannot reach the finals directly. They sit nine points adrift of group leaders Switzerland, making the playoffs their only lifeline. If they can regroup under new leadership and harness the talent at their disposal, qualification for the tournament in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada remains possible.