Departing Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld wants to take over the Swiss national team after Euro 2008.

"To represent a country, to train them for an exact goal and reach the 2010 World Cup - that would be a good stop on the way to retirement," the 59-year-old told Germany's Sueddeutsche newspaper.

"The pressure and expectation in Switzerland would be great, but not unmanageable."

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 almost 12 months ago. Former Germany boss Juergen Klinsmann will replace him as Bayern coach.

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

He recently said he would not be interested in another coaching job at a club.

Reuters