Potter's Zlatan texts, overcoming failure & finding joy in Sweden

"We are going to the World Cup, baby," manager Graham Potter told his Sweden players after a dramatic 88th-minute winner from Viktor Gyokeres against Poland booked his side's place in the finals.

After the tension-filled 3-2 victory in the play-offs in front of 50,000 fans at Stockholm's Strawberry Arena in March, the 51-year-old revelled in what he described as "the best night of my career".

It marked a moment of adulation following the disappointment of losing his job at Chelsea after just seven months, and then his role at West Ham after another difficult eight-month spell which ended last September.

"It hurt. They are painful experiences," admitted Potter.

"I have lived failure. I've had quite a bit of success too. That's what life is. You have to try to put things into perspective, take the feedback from the people who are important to you and relevant - those who can help you improve.

"In the end you have to find some way of being grateful for it but, when you're going through it, it isn't easy. You have to deal with the failure, but you become a better person for it, that's for sure.

"On the flip side, I will never forget that night in Stockholm. It was the best night of my career. While there are dark moments that you have to experience, and they're not very nice, there are also moments you simply cannot describe."

It was a special ending as Arsenal striker Gyokeres' dramatic late strike - following a hat-trick in the previous game against Ukraine - sent Sweden to their first World Cup since 2018.

"Viktor scores and it's like an out of body experience, I can only describe it as that," added the Englishman. "All our subs are running on the pitch. There's 15 players on the pitch and I'm thinking, 'That's yellow cards, that's problems'. But of course it's a World Cup, so all the rules are out the door.

"And then obviously when the final whistle goes, it's hard to explain. The feeling in the stadium was just incredible.

"It's so nice to have to experience positivity through football, because obviously recently I haven't had too much of that, so it's quite nice, of course, on a human level."

Asked how he celebrated, Potter replied: "What do you think I did?"

He allowed himself a few drinks and enjoyed the memorable moment.

"I don't think you should necessarily get carried away," he added. "You're never quite as good as you say when you're there [high], and you're never quite as bad as they say when you're there [low]. So, you've got to find some way of keeping some perspective."

Potter excelled in roles at Swansea and Brighton, but his coaching career began in Sweden, where he took Ostersunds FK from the fourth tier to the top flight, winning the domestic cup and leading them into their first European campaign.

It was there he learned Swedish. On his recently launched Instagram account, Potter appears relaxed, sharing images of himself exploring the country's natural landscapes with his family, reading Nordic literature and taking part in cultural events.

"I feel very Swedish when I'm working," he said, explaining he even sings the national anthem before matches.

"I even look a bit Swedish. Two of my children were born in Sweden. I had seven unforgettable years at Ostersunds, with memories that will stay with me for life.

"I came from the fourth tier of Swedish football, which is quite low, and worked my way up through the system to the Allsvenskan. You almost become Swedish in a coaching sense because of the experiences you have. I think it has definitely helped.

"Now I'm working for the Swedish FA as head coach of the national team, so I feel very Swedish."

Potter's knowledge of the country naturally leads to discussion of Sweden's most celebrated modern campaign - the 1994 World Cup in the United States.

He can even recall the team's tournament song - När vi gräver guld i USA" (When We Dig for Gold in the USA) - which, like England's World in Motion and Three Lions, has become part of the nation's football culture.

It helps explain why his decision to join Sweden on an initial short-term deal, replacing Jon Dahl Tomasson in November, represented a calculated step.

He subsequently extended his contract until 2030 before the March international break, prior to sealing qualification. That ensured he will lead Sweden at this World Cup, as well as the 2028 European Championship and 2030 World Cup should they qualify.

"Maybe in England we have taken it for granted because we usually qualify," said Potter. "But the reality is that many countries do not, so it is special when they do. It is also very important for the finances of the football structure."

He has also received a congratulatory message from the country's former striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whom he described as "one of the kings of Sweden".

Potter has had to make some difficult decisions before this summer's tournament, but he is able to call on two of last summer's marquee Premier League signings.

Liverpool forward Alexander Isak and Arsenal striker Gyokeres are expected to play key roles if Sweden are to progress, with matches against Tunisia, the Netherlands and Japan in Group F.

"I think they are different in their styles, which is good for us because you can hopefully use them effectively," said Potter.

"The honest truth is that we haven't played them together yet in my time, so that will be exciting to develop. If we can get them enjoying their football and firing, they are top players."

Isak has yet to start a match under Potter following an injury-hit season following his record £125m move from Newcastle to Liverpool last summer.

"It can take a bit of time," added Potter. "At the biggest clubs there is pressure and expectation, and when expectation and reality begin to diverge, it can create problems.

"His injuries have been disappointing, but I know him well. He is a top professional who wants to play and help his team."

Gyokeres, meanwhile, scored 21 goals as he won the Premier League title and reached the Champions League final in his first season after joining Arsenal from Sporting for £55m.

However, the former Coventry City forward, 27, has still faced criticism.

"It is a good example of the modern game," said Potter. "From our perspective, he has scored four goals in two matches and helped take us to the World Cup, so his impact has been significant."

He also recalled how Isak scored on his professional debut against his Ostersunds side at the age of 16 while playing for AIK.

As one of the last nations to qualify, Sweden were left with one of the remaining training bases among the 48 teams - SDJA, a high school facility in San Diego.

Potter said they have no complaints about the facilities, highlighting the increased importance of set-pieces in the heat and describing squad selection as involving the "toughest conversations as a father and human being".

Unlike England, who will base themselves in Miami before the tournament, Sweden will be based at home in Stockholm so players can spend time with family and friends to recharge after a long club season.

After friendlies against Norway and Greece, Sweden look forward to a return to the world's biggest stage against Tunisia on 15 June.

"My first football memory is from 1986 - I was 11, watching Diego Maradona," Potter reflected. "That was when I realised how special the game was. To work in that environment now is a dream."