John van 't Schip has signed a new contract to stay as head coach of Melbourne Heart, the Australian club Manchester City bought in January, for a further three seasons.
The Dutchman, who was Melbourne's first coach after their foundation, managed Heart from 2009 to 2012 and returned to the club in December after a spell at Guadalajara.
And after taking 20 points from a possible 27, he has been given the backing of the City hierarchy in the shape of a new deal.
City CEO Ferran Soriano said: “We are very happy that John van 't Schip will remain head coach of Melbourne Heart FC. Playing good football is at the centre of our plans for the future of the club and John has already demonstrated his ability to help us achieve that ambition.”
Van 't Schip, 50, said he believes City's takeover will give Heart the investment and opportunity to progress.
The former Ajax, Genoa and Netherlands player will liaise with Soriano, City's football administration officer Brian Marwood and director of football Txiki Begiristain.
He said: “I'm delighted to have been appointed head coach. The club is well positioned for the future and I am excited to be working with Brian and Txiki Begiristain in the lead-up to 2014-15 season.
“It's massive for the club and for Australian football in general. The biggest reason [I left] was the growth of the club was difficult, there was not really a next step. But with the new owners coming in that's all different.”
Van 't Schip is a former Ajax caretaker manager and was assistant manager of Netherlands during Marco van Basten's reign.
Soccer Hot News
Spurs´ fight no surprise, says Jesus
Benfica coach Jorge Jesus was unsurprised by Tottenham’s performance on Thursday as his team edged into the UEFA Europa League last eight.
A second-half brace from Nacer Chadli dragged the Premier League side back into the tie, but Benfica struck a late penalty to draw 2-2 and win 5-3 on aggregate.
Jesus, who has been involved in a spat with Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood, praised his opponents and said it was a massive result for his team.
“There were no surprises from the performance of Tottenham. I told my players before the game that Tottenham could beat us here and qualify, just like we did in London,” he told a news conference.
“I’m not saying anything new. I said before the game that Tottenham could do the same to us as we did in London.
“Tottenham have too much quality to be easily defeated. Benfica also have quality, so any result is possible in an even game.”
Ezequiel Garay had headed Benfica further ahead just after the half-hour mark, but Chadli struck twice in as many minutes during the second half to put his side back into the tie.
The visitors had a penalty shout turned down before Lima sealed the result for Benfica with a spot-kick.
Jesus insisted he was never worried, despite Sherwood – sitting in the stands to avoid further confrontation – saying he was enjoying seeing the 59-year-old sweating.
“I was never worried when we were losing 2-1, as even if they have made 3-1 it would only have gone to extra-time,” Jesus said.
“I felt it could be decided in the very end, it was something natural and the players did well.
“I knew what kind of team we were facing and I know Benfica have got a result against an excellent side.”
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