Frenchman Luis Fernandez named coach of the Israel national team

Frenchman Luis Fernandez has been named coach of the national football team in Israel, the Israeli Football Association confirmed Sunday, dpa reported.

"It's a big challenge," Fernandez said in a press conference Sunday in Tel Aviv after signing a contract with an annual salary of 488 thousand euros (660 thousand dollars).

The French football legend will replace Dror Kashtan, who failed to lead Israel to the World Cup in South Africa.

Fernandez said Sunday in Tel Aviv that there is "a lot of talent" in Israel, and that he would do his "maximum" to lead the team to international events such as the 2012 European Championships in Poland and Ukraine.

"I hope not to disappoint," Fernandez said.

Fernandez, coming from Stade de Reims team in France, coached Beitar Jerusalem in 1995-96.