Koeman named as Van Gaal successor at Alkmaar

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THE HAGUE, May 17, 2009 (AFP) - Ronald Koeman was on Sunday named as the new coach of Dutch champions AZ Alkmaar to succeed Louis Van Gaal who has left to take charge at German giants Bayern Munich

The 46-year-old Koeman has signed a two-year contract, the club said.

"To succeed Louis, we wanted a top coach and we preferred a Dutchman," said AZ president Dirk Scheringa.

Koeman's last management job was with Valencia in Spain, but he left in April 2008.

The former Dutch international started his coaching career as Guus Hiddink's right-hand man with the national team from 1997-1998.

He was also second-in-command at Barcelona from 1998-2000 before taking over at Vitesse Arnhem in 2000.

Koeman has also coached Ajax Amsterdam (2001-2005), Benfica (2005-2006), PSV Eindhoven (2006-2007) and then Valencia (October 2007-April 2008).