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.”

The club has also appointed Ben Mansford as CEO. Mansford held the same position at Leeds United last season following three years with Barnsley.

He told Maccabi’s website: “I look forward to working with Mitch Goldhar and everyone at Maccabi Tel Aviv to bring further success, both in Israel and in Europe over the next few years for the club’s magnificent supporters.”