Prosinečki takes command in Azerbaijan

Robert Prosinečki will coach Azerbaijan for the remainder of their UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying campaign after being named as Berti Vogts's successor, the German having stepped aside in October following three straight Group H defeats.

The 45-year-old former FK Crvena zvezda, Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona midfielder has agreed a three-year contract and is to move to Azerbaijan with his family. "I like this country and the people here are very hospitable," he said. "I would say we have potential and resources to work with here. We just need to work. I would like to see all Azerbaijan's national teams play the same way. We need to create an effective side that prefers to attack than defend."

Capped 49 times by Croatia, Prosinečki spent four years as Slaven Bilić's assistant with his national team and later took sole command at Crvena zvezda and Kayserispor. He assumes the helm with Azerbaijan bottom of Group H without a single point, having lost their most recent qualifier 1-0 at home to Norway under caretaker boss Makhmud Gurbanov.

"It's too early to promise victories against Italy and Croatia, but I am hoping for the best – first we need to beat Malta in March," added Prosinečki, who is yet to name his assistants. "I'm going to inject some young blood into the team, but it doesn't mean doors will be closed to those with experience. I will follow the domestic league very closely and plan to visit club training camps during the winter break."