Slavisa Jokanovic has been appointed manager of Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Maccabi turned to the former Watford boss Slavisa Jokanovic following the departure of Pako Ayestaran whose contract was not extended despite leading Maccabi to an unprecedented Ligat Ha'Al, State cup and Toto Cup treble.

Jokanovic led Watford to promotion to the Premier League, but left the club after talks broke down over a new contract.

The appointment of Jokanovic is a major coup for Maccabi’s Canadian billionaire owner Mitch Goldhar and general manager Jordi Cruyff and reflects their determination to qualify for the Champions league group stage and retain the Ligat Ha'Al title for a fourth consecutive season.

Jokanovic said: “Maccabi Tel Aviv is the most important Israeli club. They did a very good job last season winning the treble, but the team wants to improve and continue building and I want to improve as well. This will be a great challenge for both me and the club.

"I am ready for the challenge and I won’t ask the supporters for patience as we have to begin preparations immediately in order to be ready for the very important games coming up. This will be the first challenge.

"I also know that Maccabi has great fans and they will push us and they will always be with us. Our job is to support them and to give them the results they deserve so they will be proud of the team and how Maccabi will play this coming season."