Bayern Munich confirms Niko Kovac will succeed Jupp Heynckes as manager

Bayern Munich announced Friday that Niko Kovac will take over as manager next season.

The Eintracht Frankfurt gaffer, who played as a midfielder at Bayern Munich for two years, signed a three-year contract and will officially succeed Jupp Heynckes on July 1.

The statement from Bayern sporting director sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic read: "We're very delighted we've secured the services of Niko Kovač as new FC Bayern head coach.

"Niko played for Bayern, he knows the people in charge and the club's structures and DNA. We're convinced he's the right coach for the future of FC Bayern."

Heynckes was brought on for his third spell with the Bavarians following the dismissal of Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The 72-year-old, who helped Bayern capture its sixth straight title last week before his expected retirement at the end of the season, said he's encouraged by the appointment and claimed Kovac's ability to work with players from around the world will benefit him at Bayern.

"I've read his biography and it's very positive. He is working with many different types of player with varying nationalities in Frankfurt, and he's doing a wonderful job. He is no doubt predestined to coach Bayern."

Kovac's brother, Robert, who also played at Bayern and won a pair of Bundesliga titles, will join him as an assistant.

Before joining Eintracht Frankfurt in 2016, Kovac managed the Croatian national team for two years. He had a brief spell as the country's under-21 manager after his role as an assistant coach with Red Bull Salzburg.