Austria names Koller new manager

Vienna, Austria – Austria named ex-Switzerland international Marcel Koller its new national team manager Tuesday.

The 50-year-old Koller, who made 55 appearances for Switzerland from 1982-96, replaces Dietmar Constantini. The former manager stepped down last month after Austria was eliminated from Euro 2012 contention.

Austria is fourth in Group A, 16 points behind leaders Germany and six behind second-place Turkey with an inferior head-to-head record.

"From studying DVDs I can see there are young players with great talent," said Koller, according to UEFA's website. "My view is that it was just small details that prevented Austria qualifying."

Koller will take over November 1 after Euro 2012 qualifying is complete, and signed a deal through December 2013. He will try to help Austria qualify for the 2014 World Cup. He last coached Bochum in Germany.

"We have found a solution that fulfils our requirements," said Austrian FA president Leopold Windtner. "He is a meticulous worker, always there for the players.

"He can develop a team and especially players. We were looking for someone with international experience and people skills as well as leadership qualities; a team player who has a positive approach to sports science and medicine - we have found him."