Saudi Arabia Football Federation reportedly targets Vladimir Petkovic in shock coaching move

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation is reportedly considering a move for former Algeria manager Vladimir Petkovic in a surprise development.

Media reports claim the Saudi football authorities are moving towards a deal for the Swiss coach, although the original report does not provide details about the proposed contract or the timing of any appointment.

Petkovic previously led Algeria, but reliable sources within the Algerian Football Federation say he has now ended his contract by mutual consent. The sources attribute that decision to Algeria’s disappointing performance at the most recent World Cup finals.

Algeria’s campaign ended in the round of 32 after they were beaten by Switzerland. The result is described as the key reason behind the agreement to bring Petkovic’s time in charge to an end.

The reports have therefore raised the possibility of Petkovic moving directly from the Algeria job to a new role with Saudi Arabia. His name is being presented as a potential choice for the Saudi national team, in what would represent a major change of direction following his departure from Algeria.

Petkovic is Swiss and was the manager of Algeria before the reported termination of his contract. The Algerian side’s early World Cup exit, particularly the defeat by Switzerland in the round of 32, has been cited by sources close to the Algerian federation as the central factor in the decision.

The reports describe the proposed Saudi move as a major surprise, given that Petkovic’s departure from Algeria has only now been linked with the possibility of him taking charge of Saudi Arabia. They do not provide further information about the structure of the reported agreement or whether a final appointment has been completed.

For now, the central development is the reported link between Petkovic and the Saudi national team. According to the media reports, Saudi Arabia is looking towards the former Algeria manager, while sources inside the Algerian federation say his contract was ended amicably after the team’s subdued showing at the World Cup.

Petkovic’s reported future has consequently become the main focus of the story. His departure from Algeria, the circumstances surrounding the team’s elimination by Switzerland and the Saudi federation’s alleged interest are the three elements behind the speculation.