Vladimir Petkovic is continually linked with the Switzerland job, so it’s rumoured Lazio will poach Basel boss Murat Yakin in January.
Vladimir Petkovic is continually linked with the Switzerland job, so it’s rumoured Lazio will poach Basel boss Murat Yakin in January.
The situation at Formello is increasingly tense, as President Claudio Lotito confessed he can “only take Petkovic at his word” when he says there have been no talks with the Swiss FA.
However, reports continue to suggest Petkovic has agreed to take over the Switzerland job after the 2014 World Cup, something that would be announced next month.
Lazio are not prepared to wait around with a ‘lame duck’ tactician, so could part company with Petkovic immediately.
According to the Corriere dello Sport, the Biancocelesti have contacted Basel Coach Murat Yakin, who could free himself from his contract in 10 days.
This would give Yakin time to work with the Lazio squad over the Christmas break to start 2014 on the right foot.
Still only 39 years old, Yakin is a former Swiss international who retired in 2006 and has been at the helm of Basel since October 2012.
His profile rose considerably in the Champions League group phase this season with home and away victories over Chelsea.
Petkovic also comes from Swiss football and was hailed for his debut campaign in Serie A, in which he won the Coppa Italia.
However, Lazio have one win in their last nine League games along with five draws and three defeats.