Graham Potter

When Swansea City announced the appointment of Graham Potter as their new manager in the summer of 2018, many football fans were left scratching their heads. The Englishman had enjoyed relative success managing Swedish side Ostersund, but few had heard of him outside of Sweden. However, less than a year later, Potter has emerged as one of the brightest young managers in the English game.

Potter’s first season in charge of Swansea was a difficult one. He inherited a squad that had just been relegated from the Premier League and was tasked with getting them back there at the first time of asking. Despite a bright start, the team’s form dipped towards the end of the season and they ultimately finished in 10th place, outside of the playoff spots.

Despite this disappointment, Potter’s job was never under threat. The Swansea board recognised the progress that had been made and, crucially, the style of football that Potter was implementing. Rather than the pragmatic, long-ball football that Swansea had become known for under previous managers, Potter was promoting a possession-based, pass and move style that was easy on the eye.

This commitment to playing attractive football, combined with a focus on developing young players, has become a hallmark of Potter’s managerial philosophy. At Ostersund, he oversaw the rise of players such as Jamie Hopcutt and Ken Sema, who went on to earn moves to bigger clubs. Similarly, at Swansea, he has given game time to a number of academy graduates, including Connor Roberts, Joe Rodon and Daniel James, who have all impressed in their breakthrough seasons.

Potter’s tactical flexibility has also been a key factor in his success. He has shown a willingness to switch formations and personnel depending on the opposition, a trait that has helped Swansea to win plaudits for their adaptability. This was exemplified in the team’s recent FA Cup victory over Manchester City, where Potter employed a novel 3-5-1-1 formation that nullified City’s attacking threat and allowed Swansea to prevail against the odds.

It is no surprise, therefore, that Potter has been linked with a number of high-profile managerial vacancies in recent months. Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion are both reportedly interested in his services, while Potter was also purportedly on the shortlist for the Southampton job before it was given to Ralph Hasenhuttl. Even Arsenal have been mentioned as a potential destination for Potter should they decide to part ways with Unai Emery in the summer.

For Potter, however, it is not about chasing big jobs or building a reputation. His focus remains firmly on Swansea City and the project he has started there. Speaking recently, he said: “I’m not really one who chases things… obviously when things are hypothetical or possibilities, then it’s not really for me to comment on. For me, I’m just focused on trying to do as good a job as I can here.”

This level-headedness and commitment to his current job is just one of the many reasons why Potter has become such a popular figure amongst Swansea fans. His willingness to give young players a chance, his tactical nous and his passion for playing attractive football have all contributed to a sense of optimism around the club. Indeed, many Swansea fans believe that if Potter can replicate the type of football that saw Ostersund reach the Europa League knockout stages, then the future for the Welsh club is bright.

In an age where instant success and fame are often placed above patience and hard work, Graham Potter’s rise to prominence is a refreshing reminder that sometimes the best things in life take time. His dedication to developing young players and playing attractive football has won him admirers across the footballing world, and with Swansea City still in the promotion hunt this season, it seems that the best may still be yet to come for the young English manager.