Today, Potter gathers the national football team for the first time. A few intense days await in Marbella before the World Cup qualifier against Switzerland awaits in Geneva on Saturday.
Potter was successful with Östersund ten years ago.
When the media and football fans became aware of what was going on in Jämtland, Potter was probably seen by many as an oddball. The Englishman was as far from the coaching stereotype as it was possible to get.
A cultural coach was hired, cultural projects were run and Potter herself stood on stage with the players and sang musicals. Together with the players, a production of Tchaikovsky's ballet Swan Lake was made. For Potter, it was one of many ways for the players to challenge themselves and a way to unite the group.
Football in focus
In the right context, it (the power of culture) is important, of course. I'm talking about the right environment and the right conditions. It's maybe a little different in Östersund if you compare it to the national team. We have four days to prepare a team for two matches, he said at the press conference when he released his first national team squad on Wednesday.
We have many good players, but we need to create a team that has balance.
It will be clear and simple for the players. That's the job right now. We have to do everything to reach the World Cup.
No training tonight
A lot of theory too?
I think “less is more”. We don’t have that much time. It’s wrong of me to talk all the time about theories and ideas. It’s about creating an environment where the players feel free. That’s the most important thing.
During the day, the players arrive from their clubs at the base in Marbella. Potter is content to meet each of them and holds a press conference in the afternoon. The first collective training takes place at the La Quinta facility on Tuesday morning.
Henrik Skiöld/TT
Facts: Potter and the World Cup qualifiers
TT
Graham Potter, 50, is now making his first collection as captain of the men's national football team.
The Briton has replaced Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was fired in mid-October after Sweden's disastrous results in the World Cup qualifiers.
After, among other things, double losses against Kosovo, Sweden is third in the qualifying group with no chance of taking a direct place at the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer.
Thanks to the group victory in the Nations League, Blågult will likely play in the playoffs for a World Cup spot in March.
Sweden concludes the qualifiers with an away match against Switzerland on Saturday and a home match against Slovenia next Tuesday.
