Pehrsson succeeds Rüütli as Estonia coach

Magnus Pehrsson has been appointed by the Estonian Football Association (EJL) as the successor to former national team coach Tarmo Rüütli, whose expiring contract was not renewed last month.

Pehrsson, 37, has signed a two-year deal and is optimistic of qualifying for the next UEFA European Championship. Under his predecessor, Estonia enjoyed a run to the UEFA EURO 2012 play-offs, losing to the Republic of Ireland. "I have already started dreaming about reaching UEFA EURO 2016, but I won't promise this right now − it's worth avoiding such big statements," he said.

"However, if the team can develop we will have a good chance. The most important thing for me is how to move from defence to attack and from attack to defence. It is natural that if you win the ball you want to move forward with it."

Pehrsson left his post at Djurgårdens IF in April, the club he won the Allsvenskan title with as a player in 2002, and before that coached Danish outfit Aalborg BK between January 2009 and October 2010. "Of course, things will depend on the [qualifying] draw result, but my main goal is to improve our game," said the Swede, who will begin work early next year.

"I'm just 37, but I have enough experience. It's very important to make acquaintances with the players in order to prepare for our next match [against Gibraltar in March] in the best way."

EJL president Aivar Pohlak said: "Pehrsson is the type of coach who should be good at leading an international team. He is a good organiser and knows how to motivate players."