From what I've read and seen so far, Potter is very fluid tactically -- even playing three different formations in three consecutive games. But this isn't a case of throwing mud at a wall and seeing what sticks, it's all done with reasoning to exploit the opposition and give his side the best chance of winning.
He likes his players to be versatile, and I'm sure the unusual team activities he organises to bond the squad off-field go a long way to enhancing the players chemistry and connection on the field, too, allowing them to achieve a fluidity that might not otherwise be possible.
The most interesting thing for me will be seeing how Potter adjusts to a different power balance. Ostersunds were always an underdog, even while rising through the divisions, and this has allowed Potter to be successful through reactive tactics; allowing the opposition to set the table, and then spoiling the party.
Although Swansea have just been relegated and we're all feeling a bit uncertain of this side's level of ability, they stand as a heavyweight in the Championship and will be perceived as so by the rest of the division (bar West Brom and Stoke). Can Potter still play reactively under these circumstances?
If he waits for the opposition to make the first move, and the opposition is waiting to feel Swansea out first because they consider the Swans to be among the divisions best teams, then we might see a lot of very tentative opening 20 minute spells with the advantage going to the first team to make a grab for control.
To avoid this kind of stand-off, Potter needs to assert his and Swansea's style right from the off, become pro-active and no longer just reactive; Ostersunds were an underdog, but Swansea are a now a favourite, and the expectations and perceptions are completely different. Of course, if Potter takes Swansea back to the Prem, then he'd be better served becoming reactive again in the top flight. He really will need to be tactically versatile, in terms of overall attitude and approach, as well as formations and systems.
For the record, I think he can do it.
