Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld claims he turned down the opportunity to manage Chelsea and the English national team. Hitzfeld revealed to Russian daily Sport Express that he has been sounded out about more high profile vacancies in the past -namely those of Chelsea and England.

He said: "I decided to take on Swiss job not under pressure from mass media, but for pleasure, which I receive from my work.

"I was offered to head the national teams of England, Cameroon and Ivory Coast, but I acted as my heart dictated it, since I am half-Swiss.

"I live in Germany within one kilometre from the Swiss boarder, and mentality of these people is very familiar to me."

He said: "Back in 2004, I got an offer to take over German national team, but I had to reject it through health problems.

"This period of rest was the best one in my life! I got rid of constant stress, which is an integral part of a coaching job.

"When I returned to work, I received invitations from Real Madrid, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund but, once I got the offer from Bayern Munich, I didn't hesitate and accepted it immediately."