The 63-year-old, who coached Serbia at the 2006 World Cup, has signed a one-year deal and replaces Jang Woe-ryeong, who left Incheon in December to take control of J-League club Omiya Ardija.

"We have agreed with Petkovic that he will take charge of the team for one year. We will see how the 2009 season goes and then we can extend the period of the deal," a club spokesman said.

Incheon finished seventh in the 2008 season.

Petkovic and his new team will leave for pre-season training in the Chinese city of Kunming on February 5.