European teams will find it very difficult in Brazil says Laureus Ambassador Ottmar Hitzfeld

June 11, 2014

Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld believes the European teams playing in Brazil will have their work cut out for them to find success.

Speaking to Laureus.com, Ottmar said: “[It will be] very, very difficult. It cannot be a coincidence that a European team couldn’t win a World Cup held in South America. Not in Uruguay, not in Mexico, not in Argentina and for sure not in Brazil.”

Ottmar Hitzfeld, a Laureus Ambassador, is leading the Swiss national team to their second World Cup finals in Brazil.

A former manager of Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, with both of whom he won the Champions League.

 

“I have visited Brazil several times and realise what an important status football has in this country. Always and everywhere people play soccer, follow soccer and live soccer. And I witnessed Pelé. For me, still the best player of all time,” he said.

Talking about his own team's chances, the Switzerland manager said: “We do have the potential to qualify for the round of the last 16. That is our goal. Then there are no limits.”

As a Laureus Ambassador, Ottmar dedicates time to helping promote and support the work of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. About his relationship with the Foundation, he said: “We need to help [disadvantaged] children to take their chance. Most of them are in an utterly difficult position without being responsible for their own circumstances. All the people in a better situation should help these kids. Sport can be an instrument on their way to a better life. This is why Laureus is doing such great work - and I'm very proud to be an Ambassador to the Laureus Foundation.”

To read the full interview transcript click here.