The Swiss football federation have today announced that current Lazio manager, Vladimir Petkovic, will takeover from the retiring Ottmar Hitzfeld after the 2014 World Cup. Petkovic has signed a deal that will last until 2015, which will be automatically renewed if Switzerland qualify for Euro 2016 in France.
After signing his contract, Petkovic stated:
"I have continuously followed the Swiss national team and their development under Ottmar Hitzfeld. I'm aware that I have a very hard act to follow, but I am also aware that I am taking on a team with great prospects."
The former Young Boys Bern coach enjoyed a very successful first season as Lazio manager, finishing 7th in the Serie A and winning the Coppa Italia. The 2013/14 season has been a much less impressive season for Petkovic, and after his side's thumping 4-1 defeat to newly promoted Hellas Verona, club president, Claudio Lotito has stated that he will evaluate other options to decide what is best for the club going forward:
"I'll evaluate what needs to be done. I'll meet with Petkovic, but we can't continue to go down this path."
"I don't want to change for the sake of it, but I know that it is necessary."
"I have a list of names, and I'll have to see what is the best for our club going forward."
