Garcia takes charge at Tel Aviv

Maccabi Tel Aviv have appointed former Barcelona midfielder Oscar Garcia as their new coach.

The 39-year-old Garcia has penned a two-year contract with the Israeli side having this week left his position as coach of Barcelona's youth team.

Garcia, who as a player also represented Valencia and Espanyol, said on the club's website: "I am honoured to be joining a club with such a great history. I am looking forward to all the challenges that lay ahead and I am committed to do my best for the club."

Maccabi sports director Jordi Cruyff added: "I'm delighted that we have been able to attract to Maccabi Tel Aviv a coach of Oscar's calibre especially as he had several other options."