Stevens Replaces Fatigue-Hit Rangnick at Schalke

Schalke 04 have appointed popular Dutchman Huub Stevens as the replacement coach for Ralf Rangnick, who quit his post last week after complaining of fatigue.

Stevens coached Schalke in 1996-2002, steering the club to their greatest ever achievement -- victory in the UEFA Cup final, now the Europa League, against Inter Milan in 1997.

The 57-year-old will take over the Bundesliga club immediately after signing a contract that expires in June 2013.

After leaving Schalke in 2002, Stevens had spells in charge of several clubs including Hertha Berlin, Cologne, Roda JC, Hamburg, PSV Eindhoven and Red Bull Salzburg, whom he led to the Austrian league title in 2010.

Rangnick last week said: "After long and careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that I need a break.

"I found it incredibly hard to make a decision like this, but my current energy levels are not high enough to succeed and in particular to advance the team and the club."