Petkovic becomes new Senegal national team coach

From 2022 success to departure in Algiers

Results at the major tournaments proved Petkovic's undoing: At this summer's World Cup, Algeria were eliminated in the round of 32 by Switzerland (0:2), and at the Africa Cup of Nations a few months earlier, a quarter-final exit against Nigeria had been a disappointment.

Senegal has belonged to the continent's strongholds since its surprising success at the 2022 World Cup — the triumph as the first African team ever. With stars such as Sadio Mané, former Borussia Dortmund player Demba Seck and numerous European-based players, the squad is broadly stocked. Petkovic's task will be to continue developing this squad and to manage the transition to a new generation featuring players such as 24-year-old center forward Willem Geubbels or 27-year-old Emmanuel Latte Lath.

Strong squad, open personnel questions

Geubbels has been playing in top-level French football since his transfer and brings a record of 30 games, eight goals and one assist after the 26 season. Latte Lath moved a year ago from English second-division side Middlesbrough to the United States for €21.25 million, which was at the time a record transfer for MLS. This season he has three goals and one assist in 16 games. Both players are facing a decision over which national team they want to represent in future — a factor that further complicates Petkovic's personnel planning.

In an initial statement, Petkovic addressed the fans: 'Thank you for the warm welcome — I'm so happy to be here.' The new coach had repeatedly mentioned Senegal in recent years as a potential employer and, according to reports, told federation president Augustin Senghor in talks that the sporting and infrastructural framework suited him.

As an assistant coach, Petkovic is bringing his long-time assistant Thomas Bickel, according to the federation. The coaching staff will also be reinforced by former goalkeeper Tony Sylva, who already served on Thiaw's staff. The first competitive matches under the new coach are scheduled for September, when African World Cup qualifying resumes.

First competitive matches in September

Federation president Augustin Senghor spoke of a 'new chapter' at the presentation and stressed the importance of the 2030 home World Cup as the project toward which all decisions are oriented. Petkovic is 'the experienced head we need to bring together talent and seasoned players.' The aim, according to sources close to the federation, is to reach the knockout stage of the World Cup on home soil.

A first test awaits the 63-year-old Swiss in September against the Republic of Congo and Sudan. Two further friendlies against middling European sides are planned for the October international window, before the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in November.