The Bundesliga club said on Monday that Hoeness will receive a three-year contract until 2023. The 38-year-old joins fron Munich’s reserve team which he led to the third division title last season.

Hoeness takes over from Alfred Schreuder who left last month. Pre-season training at the club that finished sixth in the past season starts on August 2.

“Working at Hoffenheim is a huge challenge that I am really looking forward to. The club’s basic philosophy is identical to my idea of football,” Hoeness said in a club statement.

Hoffenheim professional football director Alexander Rosen said: “We have been in contact with Sebastian Hoeneß for a long time because we are impressed by his work.

“Sebastian has demonstrated impressively that he can shape young players into a powerful unit and develop them individually.”

Hoffenheim is Hoeness’ first coaching job in the top flight. He played at the club in the 2006-07 season when they were in the third division.