OSTERSUNDS HEAD COACH Graham Potter has no fears over meeting Premier League heavyweights Arsenal in the Europa League round of 32.
The unheralded Swedish side were handed a dream tie for their maiden appearance in the knockout stages of a European competition, having progressed through a tricky Group J.
Founded as recently as 1996 — shortly after Arsene Wenger had taken charge at Arsenal — Ostersunds have enjoyed a stunning rise under Potter.
The former Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion defender guided the club from the fourth division to the top flight with three promotions in five seasons and will now get the chance to lead his team at the Emirates Stadium.
“Fantastic draw! I wanted to get a really big team,” Potter, who is the only English manager left European competitions, told Uefa.com.
I think it is really cool to be going home to England and meeting one of the best teams in the Premier League. Now we are really underdogs.”
Ostersunds forward Saman Ghoddos, who scored twice during the group stage, was taken aback by the high-profile draw.
“It is insane. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined facing Arsenal in the knockout stages of the Europa League when I signed for Ostersunds,” Ghoddos said.
“We drew the best team straight away. Now we will look forward to this match. There will be no chance to just relax during the [winter break], we will be training hard.”
Meet #Arsenal's Swedish UEFA Europa League last 32 opposition - Östersunds FK - and their English manager, Graham Potter#UELdraw pic.twitter.com/KJKPJXFc1M
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 11, 2017
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
I googled to see who this small team I never heard of were and it said they are the 5th best team in England!
@Micheal Thomas: I like the way you reworded the same joke that’s been doing the rounds every year when the draw is made. Gold star for you
I predict an upset here – Arsenal to go through
Happy to avoid the bigger teams at this point but this lot have only conceded 2 at home in the Europa league so it mightn’t be the walk over people expect especially with Arsenal’s hot and cold form
They’ll need Harry Potter, not Graham Potter to get into the last 16.
He won’t know what hit him
@Whatshisname: everything in Arsenal’s arsenal?
@Joe Kennedy: wonder will he exchange yurts with Wenger.
I’ve been to Ostersund in mid winter. Arsenal won’t enjoy it.trust me. It’s bleak. Only thing if interest is driving in the giant frozen lake
@David OfBrien: what has Arsenal’s back 4 got to do with this?
@David OfBrien: ah they always have the gloves with them in all fairness!
Headline should read “little known English man at little known Swedish club”.
Knowing Arsenal, they will find a way to fcuk up and have us all over the floor in stitches :-)