Bayern Munich Inks New Coach; Dutch Coach Van Gaal To Replace Heynkes

May 15, 2009 9:01 p.m. EST

Munich, Germany (AHN) - FC Bayern Munich ended its search for an experienced coach with the appointment of Louis van Gaal as the club's new coach.

Bayern Munich confirmed that Van Gaal, who led AZ Alkmaar to their first Dutch league title since 1981, will join the defending Bundesliga champions as head coach on a two-year deal as of July 1.

Van Gaal was released from his contract with newly-crowned Dutch champions AZ Alkmaar and given the green light to join the Bavarian side after a meeting between the representatives of both clubs Wednesday.

Van Gaal, who steered Ajax to the Champions League title in 1995 and to consecutive Dutch titles in 1994, 1995 and 1996, was released from his contract with the giants from Amsterdam without any conditions, one year before his contract was due to expire.

Bayern have agreed to travel to Alkmaar in the summer of 2010 for a friendly match free of charge as token of gratitude to the Dutch club for accommodating their wishes in appointing Van Gaal.

Van Gaal is set to replace interim coach Jupp Heynkes, who took over dismissed Juergen Klinsmann last month.

Klinsmann was finally shown the door after an embarrassing 4-0 setback at Barcelona in the quarter-final of the Champions League this season.

Bayern, currently second in the table, have won their last three matches under the guidance of Heynkes, who will end his caretaker job May 23 when the club hosts Stuttgart in their final Bundesliga fixture of the season.