Sweden boss Graham Potter has shared a wild behind the scenes photo of his celebrations after masterminding their qualification to this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
Potter, who had seen his reputation dented by ill-fated spells at Chelsea and West Ham, was appointed Sweden boss in October with their World Cup hopes in disarray.
The 50-year-old took over with Sweden bottom of their qualifying group with two matches remaining.
Sweden ultimately finished bottom of their group with two points from six matches, but had a second chance after receiving a play-off spot due to their Nations League performance.
Potter’s side grasped their second chance by beating Ukraine 3-1 in their semi-final, before a late Viktor Gyokeres goal secured a dramatic 3-2 win over Poland in the final to seal a World Cup berth.
A delighted Potter celebrated on the pitch with his players and has now revealed how those celebrations continued off the field.
Potter shared a photo of himself on Instagram looking wide-eyed and open mouthed as he walked onto Sweden’s team bus.
The head coach was also seen holding a beer in his right hand as he toasted the victory.
With Potter having overseen Sweden’s turnaround to qualify, the English coach has been lauded for the achievement in the nation.
Swedish double act Filip Hammar and Fredrik Wikingsson, who work as writers, television hosts and filmmakers, joked on their podcast that Potter should be immediately given citizenship.
Speaking on their podcast, Hammar said: ‘Is he Sweden’s most lovable person of all time?’
‘Give him a passport, give him Swedish citizenship, can you be more lovable?’
Speaking after Sweden’s qualification, Potter had admitted that guiding Sweden to the World Cup was the biggest challenge of his career.
‘Yes, with everything that has happened, where the team was, the injuries, getting everything in place,’ Potter said.
‘It has been a huge challenge, I have to thank everyone in management for the support I have received.
‘It is always the players on the pitch who do the work, but you need people behind the scenes.
‘We showed what we can achieve as a team, the players have been very responsive.
‘Most things in football are determined by how much money you have. But if you can create the right environment and work together and correctly, it can go a long way, he says.
‘It’s for the World Cup and I’m very happy for the players. It’s hard to let it sink in. I’m so grateful.’
Sweden are set to meet the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia in the group stage at the World Cup this summer.
