What unlikely path led Petkovic to international football management?

Question

Accepted Answer

Vladimir Petkovic's Unconventional Journey to International Football Management

Vladimir Petkovic's ascent to international football management was marked by an unconventional background, including a period working for a charity shop while simultaneously coaching lower-league teams. This unique trajectory set him apart from many in the profession, culminating in his appointment as the head coach of the Swiss national team in 2014, a role he took over from the highly regarded Ottmar Hitzfeld.
Early Career and Dual Roles
Petkovic, originally from the former Yugoslavia, began his playing career with FK Sarajevo before relocating to Switzerland in 1987. After retiring from playing, he embarked on a coaching career, notably balancing a full-time position at a Caritas charity shop with his coaching responsibilities between 2003 and 2008. During this demanding period, he successfully guided Bellinzona to promotion to the top flight and reached a cup final, demonstrating his coaching acumen even while managing other professional commitments.
Rise Through the Ranks and Lazio Stint
Following his success with Bellinzona, Petkovic moved to manage Young Boys, a prominent Swiss club, and later had a brief tenure in Turkey. His career took a significant step forward when he was appointed manager of Italian club Lazio in 2012. In his debut season with Lazio, he achieved notable success by winning the Coppa Italia, defeating city rivals Roma in the final. Lazio's owner, Claudio Lotito, reportedly cited Petkovic's experience with Caritas as a factor in his hiring, expressing a desire for players to be "nourished spiritually."
Transition to National Team Coaching
Despite his achievements at Lazio, Petkovic's time with the club ended abruptly when the owner discovered he was in negotiations for the Swiss national team coaching position. This led to his dismissal from Lazio. Subsequently, in 2014, with Switzerland seeking a successor to Ottmar Hitzfeld, Petkovic emerged as a surprising choice for the national team post. His appointment was seen as symbolic of the Swiss squad's own multi-cultural composition, as Petkovic himself identifies as both Swiss and a Bosnian Croat. His tenure has seen the team achieve consistent success, steering the nation to back-to-back major finals.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

What unlikely path led Petkovic to international football management?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends