2026-05-30 09:30:10
Graham Potter says leading Sweden to World Cup qualification is “on another level” to any of his previous achievements.
The Englishman took over managing the struggling side ahead of their final two qualifiers, and he is delighted to have helped turn around their fortunes to get a place in Group F.
He told World Soccer magazine: “I’ve been fortunate enough to experience a lot during my career and have had some incredible evenings.
“But this feels on another level. It’s hard to come up with words to describe it.
“I wouldn’t swap this for anything.
“When we went 3-2 up late on against the Poles [in the play-off final], I had a sort of out-of-body experience.
“I wasn’t sure what was going on, where I was.
“It’s something you’re just grateful to be a part of. It’s nice to have shown what we can do together.
“In football, a lot depends on finances and size. We’ve shown what can be achieved if you have the right people and work effectively together.”
Graham joined Sweden, the country where he established his managerial career at Ostersund from 2011 to 2018, just a month after being sacked by West Ham, and had no hesitation when it came to accepting the job.
He said: “I wasn’t ready to stop working. I didn’t need a break.
“I just wanted to carry on and then this opportunity came up.
“I really didn’t need to think too much about it as it was a wonderful opportunity; the World Cup, the quality of the players.
“All in all, it was an easy decision for me, especially as I’d worked for many years in Sweden. I love the country, I love the football here.”
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