Vladimir Petkovic, the coach who took Switzerland to the quarter-finals of the last Euro, has asked to be released from his contract with the national team to join Bordeaux, Swiss daily Blick said on Monday.
The popular daily quotes Vinicio Fioranelli, "a close friend of the Nati coach for years as an agent and friend".
"Yes, it is true that Vladimir Petkovic asked to be released at the end of his contract," explained his agent.
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The Swiss federation could block his arrival
According to the newspaper, the Girondins de Bordeaux, who have just been bought by the Spanish-Luxembourg businessman Gerard Lopez, made contact a little less than ten days ago with the coach, 57, who is seen as the main architect of the success of the Swiss national team. The "Nati" made a historic journey during Euro-2020, failing only in the quarter-final against Spain on penalties, after eliminating the French, reigning world champions, in eighth . However, Blick underlines that it is not sure that the Swiss Football Federation (ASF) will let go of Vladimir Petkovic, coach since 2014. “The question is still open, because it is quite possible that the ASF will not leave. accepts that in exchange for financial compensation ”,underlines the newspaper.
Vinicio Fioranelli gave details on the current contract of the Swiss coach. "When Vladimir Petkovic extended his contract, for a new agreement until the day after the 2022 World Cup, a clause was withdrawn by mutual agreement." “It was stipulated that the coach could go to a high level championship, that is to say in Germany, England, Italy, Spain or France, in exchange for a small fee. He was nevertheless assured that no obstacle would be put in his way if he were to receive such an offer, ”explains Mr. Fioranelli. "The Swiss agent clarified that Petkovic's request for departure was initially refused" by the ASF, adds Blick, who assures us that the contract negotiated with Bordeaux would cover three years.
