Portugal Colonial - Swiss club Young Boys name new coach in bid to stop slump

Young Boys have flopped in Europe and are faring little better on the domestic front this term.

The Bern side are rock bottom in the 36-team Champions League standings and sit in ninth place in the 12-team Swiss Super League.

"Contini fits our profile perfectly," said the club's sporting director Steve von Bergen.

"He knows the (Swiss) Super League from many years of experience, is very demanding and hungry and has a clear approach."

Contini has previous experience at Swiss sides Grasshopper, Lausanne, St Gallen and Vaduz.

Contini, 50, has been Switzerland coach Murat Yakin's assistant since February and played a part in the national team's run to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.

"Giorgio's departure is a loss for us, but I knew that with his qualities he was a sought-after coach," Yakin said.

The Swiss has signed a two-and-a-half year contract at the Wankdorf Stadium.

"I never made a secret of the fact that I wanted to be a head coach again," Contini said.

"I am now determined to seize the opportunity at YB. I am aware that the team has had a difficult six months. But I am convinced that we have a good chance of being among the top six teams."

Patrick Rahmen took over as coach of Young Boys at the start of the season, but was sacked in October, with under-21s coach Joel Magnin stepping in as interim.

P.L.Madureira--PC