Slavisa Jokanovic signs one-year deal as new FC Basel head coach

The 58-year-old Serb takes over the fourth-placed Super League side on a one-year deal of his own choosing, aiming to prove himself first while addressing his past work in Russia.

Slavisa Jokanovic is the new head coach of FC Basel. The 58-year-old Serb has signed a one-year contract, a length he proposed himself to prove his worth before considering a longer stay. The club currently sits fourth in the Super League with 13 points from nine games and has managed just one win in its last five outings. Jokanovic, who has previously worked in Russia, Israel, and Dubai, takes on the role with a clear focus on shoring up the defence.

“I am very much looking forward to the task at FC Basel.” Jokanovic said at his presentation. Technical Director Andreas Herrmann highlighted that the new coach, who lives in Spain and is a Spanish citizen, has experienced difficult times and not only won trophies. That experience was important for Basel's current situation.

Contract details and objectives

Jokanovic confirmed his contract includes a championship bonus but declined to discuss specific financial figures in Switzerland. The club had offered a longer deal, but the coach wanted to get to know everything first. “Give me and the club time, then we will see further,” was his stance. His work permit runs only until next summer. If the collaboration is successful and all parties are happy, he can envision a longer stay.

Addressing the past

When questioned about his tenure at Dinamo Moscow during the war in Ukraine, Jokanovic was firm. “I am not the political type, I am a football coach. I am here to help and hope for success.” He stressed he did not want to talk about politics. The club had informed him of his responsibilities and the local rivalries, and he would receive full support.

The task with Shaqiri and the squad

Jokanovic placed particular importance on his relationship with captain Xherdan Shaqiri. He called him an “incredible person” whom he respects and hopes to connect well with. For now, it is more Shaqiri's club than his own, the coach admitted. Shaqiri must continue to push himself to remain a key player. President David Degen expressed openness to a contract extension with the national team star. On the pitch, Jokanovic has clear principles: more aggression and heart, better defensive organisation, and a plan with and without the ball. He will lead the first training session after a five-day break himself. A friendly away to FC Winterthur this Saturday serves as preparation.

The first competitive match under Jokanovic is the away fixture on October 11 at 16:30 against 11th-placed FC Vaduz. The recent form of one win in the last five games, including a 1-3 home defeat to St. Gallen, shows the need for improvement. The team has scored 17 goals this season but conceded the same amount, with Žan Celar the top scorer on six goals. Fans can follow the rest of the season and the schedule on our fixtures page and check the current standings. Jokanovic's immediate goal is to solidify the defence and reverse the trend before any decisions about the future are made.