Israel hire Guttman as new football coach

Israel have hired Eli Guttman as national team coach.

The 53-year-old Guttman replaces Frenchman Luis Fernandez, whose contract was not renewed after Israel failed to qualify for the 2012 European Championship.

Speaking at a news conference in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, Guttman said he felt "excited and proud" to take the job and said his team will play "modern football."

Guttman has been one of the most successful coaches in the Israeli Premier League over the last decade, most recently guiding Hapoel Tel Aviv to the 2010 league title and the Champions League group stage the following season.

However, he has not worked since June after suffering a heart attack midway through last season.

His first match in charge will be a friendly against Euro 2012 hosts Ukraine on Feb. 29.