Brighton boss Graham Potter says Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson is deservedly revered in Swedish football.
Potter quickly became aware of the Scandinavian country’s high regard for Hodgson – and fellow English coach Bob Houghton – during a successful seven-and-a-half-year spell with Ostersund.
“Roy and Bob Houghton were both spoken really, really highly of and their influence,” said Potter, recalling his time in Sweden.
“Not just the success they had at their own clubs but how they influenced Swedish football and the organisation of Swedish football. The 4-4-2 that became quite Swedish was a lot of Roy and Bob’s influence.
“They were legends and rightly so for what they achieved in Sweden.
“It wasn’t until I got over there that I understood. I followed Roy’s career from where he went in Sweden. He’s an experienced football guy.
“You won’t get many more experienced in world football than Roy Hodgson in terms of his variety of experience. In Sweden, he’s a legend.”
However, the 44-year-old, whose Swansea side lost to Palace in last season’s Carabao Cup, insists beating a man he greatly admires does not serve as added motivation for the trip to south-east London.
“It would mean something special to win three points for Brighton and for the players and for the supporters, it’s not about me versus Roy,” said Potter.
“It’s just our clubs. I have respect for him as a coach but we will be trying to win on Monday night and I’m sure it will be the same for him.
“I still look at his longevity and what he’s achieved over a period of time and have full respect for him.
“The quality of Roy’s work over a period of time was how he got his next stage of his career. I had to do it in a different way. But I don’t like making any comparisons.
“Mine was my journey. I’m proud of mine and I’m sure Roy is proud of his.”
“They’ve got the points, they’re organised, they’ve got some really good players,” added Potter.
“The team has got a clarity about how they want to play and they’re impressive.”
