Israel name Austrian Herzog as new coach

Vienna-born Herzog began his coaching career in 2005 as Austria’s caretaker coach before taking up the assistant’s role. He was also assistant to United States national team coach Juergen Klinsmann and coached Austria’s under-21s and the U.S.’s under-23s.

“Today, an agreement was reached in principle between the parties and at the forthcoming IFA management committee meeting Herzog’s appointment will be put to a vote,” an Israeli FA statement said.

Over an 18-year playing career that began in 1986, Herzog, an attacking midfielder, earned a record 103 caps for Austria and scored 26 goals. He played for Bayern Munich, Rapid Vienna and Werder Bremen, where he had most success.

He ended his playing career with LA Galaxy in 2004 before starting his coaching career.

“It is a great honour and a wonderful opportunity for me to lead the Israel national team as head coach. I am certain that I will receive complete support so that I can contribute to the advancement of the team,” the IFA quoted Herzog as saying.

Israel have been without a full-time coach since the departure last October of Elisha Levy after the country’s failure to qualify for the World Cup finals in Russia.

Israel have not reached a major tournament since the 1970 World Cup finals in Mexico.