jose - soccer

FC Bayern München have confirmed that Louis van Gaal has agreed to become their new coach. The German giants have been searching for a new boss since Klinsmann's exit last month.Van Gaal has been Bayern's top target, but they had been struggling to reach an agreement with AZ Alkmaar to release the Dutchman. However, a compromise has been struck and Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness says Van Gaal will take charge from the start of July. "We understand that he will become our head coach on 1st July," he said. Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge added: "We are happy to have signed an experienced and successful football coach for Bayern Munich such as Louis van Gaal." Van Gaal will sign a two-year contract upon his arrival at Allianz Arena.

Bundesliga outfit Bayern Munich opted to give head coach Juergen Klinsmann the sack after the 1-0 league defeat against Schalke’04 some three weeks ago and the Bavarians immediately targeted AZ coach Louis van Gaal as his replacement.

Reports in the Dutch media earlier this week already claimed that Bayern Munich were on the verge of announcing the former Ajax coach as their new trainer, but AZ were reluctant to let go of the successful tactician and frustrated the move.

However, according to NOS, the Dutch champions have now reached an agreement with Bayern about a transfer fee and van Gaal will be in charge at the German giants starting this summer. Further details about the deal haven’t been announced yet.

Van Gaal’s AZ deal was due to expire in 2010, but the 57-year-old made it clear that signing for Bayern Munich was like a dream for him. His excellent relationship with AZ chairman Dirk Scheringa eventually made the latter decide to let go of Van Gaal.

(source: goal, goldenfoot.com)