Koller named new Austria coach

Former Switzerland international Marcel Koller has been appointed head coach of the Austria national team.

Koller, 50, replaces Dietmar Constantini, who was sacked in September after failing to secure qualification for Euro 2012.

A two-time Swiss Super League winner as a coach with St Gallen, Koller is charged with guiding Austria to the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

“Austria actually play good football. There are many young players who have great potential,” Koller said during his unveiling.

“I am convinced we can go down a good path.”

“I am a coach who wants to win games, who wants to be successful. Bringing in two or three young players, that is not success.”

Austria are fourth in Group A of Euro 2012 qualifying with eight points from eight matches played.

A 0-0 draw with Turkey in September ended their qualification hopes and prompted the departure of Constantini.

Despite their disappointing campaign, Koller is optimistic the team can improve considerably under his stewardship.

“My view is that it was just small details that prevented Austria qualifying (for Euro 2012).”

“They did not take their chances, and in defence individual mistakes cost them.”

Koller, a former coach of both Bochum and Cologne, will not be in charge for Austria’s final matches of Euro 2012 qualifying, against Azerbaijan on Friday and Kazakhstan four days later.

His first outing is set to come in a friendly against the Ukraine on 15 November.

Austria Football Federation sporting director Willi Ruttensteiner will continue to act as a caretaker.