Graham Potter is reportedly biding his time for a potential opportunity to take over the England job rather than rushing back into club management, though reports suggest a phone call from Manchester United could tempt him should they part with Erik ten Hag.
Potter parted ways with Chelsea in April 2023 after a challenging seven-month stint. He began that season at Brighton but made the move to Stamford Bridge, where he managed only 12 wins in 31 matches. This resulted in Chelsea finishing 12th – their lowest-ever Premier League position.
Despite this, Potter has been linked with numerous managerial positions over the past 14 months, including Ajax, Napoli and Nice. The 49-year-old is also on the radar of his former club Brighton as they search for Roberto De Zerbi’s successor, and Leicester, who are bracing themselves for the departure of Enzo Maresca.
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Manchester United would represent the biggest opportunity for Potter should Ten Hag depart the club this week, but it appears even that isn’t guaranteed to tempt him back into management. While Potter is still receiving a substantial salary during his gardening leave from Chelsea, it’s suggested that his main reason for delaying his return to management is the possibility of succeeding Gareth Southgate as England manager, according to The Sun.
Reports suggest that while Potter would accept the United job if offered, his primary ambition is to manage his country. Southgate, whose contract expires at the end of this year, has put talks about his future on hold until after Euro 2024 as he aims to secure England’s first major tournament victory since 1966.
Potter has been in discussions with numerous clubs over recent months, but his focus has been on information gathering rather than seeking a new role. His career trajectory has been impressive, starting at Ostersunds in Sweden and progressing through to English sides Swansea, Brighton, and eventually Chelsea.
England are set to commence their Euro 2024 campaign in a fortnight, facing Serbia in their first group stage match. Prior to that, they will play Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James’ Park on Monday, followed by a match against Iceland at Wembley, serving as their final preparation before the tournament begins.