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Guttman appointed Israel manager

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Eli Guttman has been confirmed as the new manager of Israel.

The former Hapoel Tel Aviv boss, 53, was the only candidate considered for the position.

He received unanimous backing from the 11-member IFA board, initially on a two-year deal. He will name an assistant by May.

Guttman said: "I realised half of my dream today, but the other half is to take part in the World Cup. It's a huge challenge, but it's possible.

"Our system will be 4-4-2, moving the ball around and playing modern soccer. Our aim is for the crowd to watch us and say 'wow.'

"We need to be a team and not just a squad of players. Our dressing room must be ego free. We will be a systematic side. That is the only way we will be able to close the gap on teams like Portugal and Russia."

IFA chairman Avi Luzon said: "I don't believe there has ever been such consensus over the choice of a coach as there is with Eli.

"Everybody in the country, administrators, coaches, players and fans think he is the right man for the job."

Guttman will take charge of the national team for the first time in a friendly against Ukraine on February 29 followed by another against Germany in June.

Israel will open its World Cup 2014 qualifying campaign away to Azerbaijan on September 7.

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