Hitzfeld expects to sign with Switzerland soon

BERLIN (Reuters) - Ottmar Hitzfeld expects to sign a deal to take charge of the Swiss national team after Euro 2008, the departing Bayern Munich coach said on Tuesday.

"I assume that I'll sign with Switzerland within the next three weeks," Hitzfeld, 59, was quoted saying on Bayern Munich's Web site (www.fcbayern.de).

Jakob Kuhn, the current coach of the Euro 2008 co-hosts, has already stated his intention to step down after the June 7-29 tournament.

Hitzfeld is quitting Bayern at the end of this season, after returning for a second spell at the Bavarian club a year ago. Juergen Klinsmann will replace him as Bayern coach.

Hitzfeld enjoyed success as a player and coach in Switzerland and has frequently been mentioned in the media as a possible future coach of the country's national team.