By, Danny Caro
1 min read
ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Luis Fernandez will lead Israel in the Euro 2012 qualifiers.
The 50-year-old Frenchman was appointed Israel manager on Sunday and has signed an 18-month contract starting May 1. This will be extended if Israel reaches the finals in Poland and Ukraine.
Speaking in Tel Aviv after receiving his appointment, Fernandez said: “Israel has always been a team that almost qualifies. I believe we can qualify.”
When reminded that he was renowned for his fiery temper as manager of Betar Jerusalem, and that he eventually quit because he fell out with the fans Fernandez said: “Don’t worry this time I will be calmer.”
Israel FA chairman Avi Luzon said: “Luis understands the mentality of Israeli football and nobody will be able to say that he does not know the Israeli game. I believe in him and I'm sure we will all smile on our way to the Euro finals."
Israel's Euro 2012 qualifying group contains Croatia, Greece, Latvia, Georgia and Malta.
Fernandez will take charge of friendly internationals in Uruguay and Chile in May and against Ivory Coast in France in August before the Euro 12 qualifying campaign begins in September.