Laudrup accepts Getafe challenge

Getafe CF have appointed former Denmark international Michael Laudrup as their new coach within hours of confirming the departure of Bernd Schuster to take charge of Real Madrid CF.

Two-year deal
The 43-year-old Laudrup has agreed a two-year contract with the club and will be officially presented next week to end 12 months out of the game. Last June he stepped down at Brøndby IF after four years at the helm, his first job as club coach having previously been an assistant to Morten Olsen with the national team. Laudrup's four years in charge of Brøndby brought one league title and two Danish Cups, adding to an impressive medal haul for one of the most talented playmakers of his generation during his playing days.

Spanish success
He is a household name in Spain and like Schuster, the man he is replacing at Getafe, enjoyed huge success at Madrid and FC Barcelona. Laudrup won four league titles in a row for the latter club between 1990 and 1994 before moving to the Santiago Bernabéu and adding another in 1995. He also had spells at Juventus and Brøndby and ended his playing career with a season at AFC Ajax in 1997/98. A European Champion Clubs' Cup winner with Barça in 1992, Laudrup will be aiming for more success in Europe next season as Getafe will play in the UEFA Cup first round.