Cruyff has served as sports director for five years during which time he has virtually run the club, hiring and sacking a string of international managers. He replaces the Portuguese Lito Vidigal.
Cruyff has now decided to be on the touchline after a successful two-month spell mid-season after the Georgian Shota Arveladze departed and before Vidigal was hired.
The Dutchman is eager to re-establish Maccabi’s eminence after a hat-trick of league titles has been followed by two years as runners-up behind Hapoel Beer Sheva.
Cruyff said: “As I start my sixth season, nobody is aware of the expectations of the owner and fans better than me. I am determined to meet those expectations.”
