FC Basel have appointed Slavisa Jokanović as their new head coach. The 58-year-old Serbian has signed a contract until the end of the season and will take charge of the team following the international break.
The club, sitting fourth in the Super League with 13 points after a 1-3 home defeat to St. Gallen, is reacting to a recent dip in form. Interim coach Luigi Nocentini has left. Jokanović's first training session is scheduled for Tuesday.
Promotion Pedigree
Jokanović brings considerable experience, particularly with promotions. He led both Watford (2015) and Fulham (2018) to the Premier League during his time in England. His most recent job was with Al-Nasr in the United Arab Emirates. As a player, he was also successful, winning the Spanish league title with Deportivo La Coruña.
Sporting director Valentin Stocker explained the appointment. “With Slavisa Jokanovic we have been able to secure a coach who has repeatedly proven in his career how to get teams back on track in difficult situations,” Stocker said. His clarity and the rapid positive development of his teams were decisive factors.
First Challenges Await
Jokanović will be assisted by Jovan Damjanović and Goran Vuković. Aleksandar Janković will also join to strengthen the athletic performance department. The new coach will have time to implement his ideas. A first friendly match is planned for October 3 against FC Winterthur.
His first competitive game in charge of FC Basel will then be on October 11 away at FC Vaduz. The Liechtenstein-based side currently sits 11th in the table. Basel's recent form of just one win in their last five matches (LWLLD) shows the need for change. The full schedule can be found on our fixtures page.
With top scorer Žan Celar, who has six goals already this season, Jokanović has a potent attacker in his squad. The full team roster is available to view at squad. The new coach begins his tenure with the clear objective of stabilising the team and closing the 12-point gap to the league leaders.
Further reading: n-tv.de
