Voeller back with Bayer Leverkusen
 |  Voeller returns to Leverkusen for a second spell as sporting director |
| |
LEVERKUSEN, Germany -- Former Germany coach Rudi Voeller has returned to Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen to fill the role of sporting director for a second time.
Voeller, who steered Germany to the World Cup Final in 2002, but resigned after Euro 2004, agreed a two-year contract with Leverkusen, the club said.
The 44-year-old replaces Juergen Kohler, who resigned at the end of last season, and will work with coach Klaus Augenthaler.
He also occupied the post from 1996 to 2000 when he took charge of the national team after Christoph Daum tested positive for cocaine.
Voeller, who was succeeded as national coach by Juergen Klinsmann, told a news conference on Tuesday he had received numerous offers from German and foreign clubs in recent months, but had wanted a break.
Voeller took charge of Italian club AS Roma at the end of August, but quit in less than a month, saying he felt unable to get the best out of the underperforming side.
A World Cup winner in 1990, Voeller ended his playing career in 1996 at Leverkusen, but even had an office at the club during his time as national coach.
"I have to much thank Bayer Leverkusen for. It was here that I set the course for my career after my time as a player. And my family and I feel particularly content here. It seemed from the first day that I'd never been away," Voeller said.
Although he will work with trainer Augenthaler, a fellow World Cup winning team mate, Voeller said he had not ruled out a coaching post in future.
Top-selling newspaper Bild said Voeller would be on an annual salary of euros500,000 ($653,300).
