Petrović joined Japanese club Sanfrecce Hiroshima in June 2006. In his first full season in charge, Sanfrecce reached the final of the Emperor's Cup but were relegated to J2. The side recovered in style, storming to the title with a haul of 100 points. Their excellent form continued into the next season and Sanfrecce secured a 4th-placed finish on their return to J1, qualifying for the AFC Champions League for the first time in the club's history. It was announced on 9 November 2011 that Petrović would not be renewing his contract for the 2012 season.
