Promoted Cologne have announced Achim Beierlorzer as their new head coach for the 2019/20 Bundesliga season.

The 51-year-old joins from Bundesliga 2 club Jahn Regensburg and has signed a two-year contract with the Billy Goats. Beierlorzer succeeds Andre Pawlak as Cologne head coach after the latter had taken over on an interim basis following the dismissal of Markus Anfang in April.

“Achim has done very good work in his previous jobs. He’s got the qualities of a leader and above all I appreciate his authentic charisma and positive approach,” said sporting director Armin Veh.

“Anyone who knows me knows how important new challenges are to me,” Beierlorzer said of his appointment. “I didn’t hesitate at all when the offer to work in the Bundesliga came from Cologne, especially with such a great club and its fans. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Beierlorzer spent a season as Ralf Rangnick’s assistant at RB Leipzig. - imago/Picture Point LE

Beierlorzer spent most of his playing career in the lower leagues before moving into coaching. He joined RB Leipzig in 2014 to oversee their U17s before taking over the first team as caretaker boss following the departure of Alexander Zorniger, standing on the touchline in 14 Bundesliga 2 matches.

The following season he served as assistant coach under Ralf Rangnick as Leipzig achieved promotion to the Bundesliga. Beierlorzer took over the U19 team for the 2016/17 season before joining Regensburg, where he guided the promoted team to a fifth-place finish in Bundesliga 2. With one game to go in 2018/19, his team are eighth after winning 5-3 away at his future employers on Matchday 33.

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