World Cup: Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld calls time after Argentina defeat
Tuesday 1 July 2014 21:50, UK
Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld confirmed that the last-gasp World Cup round of 16 defeat by Argentina was the final match of his managerial career.
The German, who bows out of the game with seven Bundesliga titles and two UEFA Champions League wins in his CV, said there was no way he would return to the dug-out.
Switzerland looked set to take the South American nation to a penalty shoot-out after stifling the efforts of Lionel Messi and co until Angel di Maria struck in the 118th minute in Sao Paulo.
"I will go on working for German TV, but my job as a coach has finished now," said the 65-year-old, whose brother died on the eve of the match.
We can walk tall and leave the World Cup with our heads held high.
"I am proud of my career. I have been very fortunate to coach marvellous teams and it has been a great honour to work for Switzerland.
Trending
- 'Cultural overhaul needed' | Neville slams mediocre Man Utd
- Papers: Rashford loses Man Utd dressing room after public comments
- Liverpool latest: Wherever I end my career I am happy - Salah
- Impatient Ange vows to never change as Carra questions tactics again
- Reaction as Christmas leaders Liverpool score SIX at Tottenham LIVE!
- Goals galore! Liverpool trump Spurs in NINE-goal bonanza
- World Darts Championship schedule: Cross headlines Monday's action
- Transfer Centre LIVE! Could Maguire leave Man Utd for free next summer?
- Amorim: Anxiety around Old Trafford is affecting our mentality
- Anderson stunned by De Graaf in shock Ally Pally exit
"I therefore am proud to say goodbye to the Switzerland team with a heart full of emotions.
"We can walk tall and leave the World Cup with our heads held high."
Hitzfeld compared Di Maria's last-gasp winner to his experience in the 1999 Champions League final when Manchester United scored two late goals to defeat his Bayern Munich side in Barcelona.
"This also happened in the Champions League final," said Hitzfeld, referring to goals from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the Nou Camp 15 years go.
"I had to go onto the pitch after to console the players after because they did something great for themselves, the team and entire country."
