ARNESEN SET FOR HAMBURG ROLEBundesliga club Hamburg have confirmed that Frank Arnesen will become their new director of sport from July.
Arnesen will join from Chelsea in the summer after agreeing a three-year contract with HSV.
His appointment was confirmed at a press conference in the city on Sunday.
"I am delighted that we have found this fantastic solution," said Hamburg's chairman Ernst-Otto Rieckhoff.
"Frank Arnesen has not only the aptitude that is very meaningful to us for our future thanks to his experience as a manager at top clubs in Europe, but in particular due to his focus on youth development."
Arnesen fills a void in Hamburg which has never truly been occupied since Dietmar Beiersdorfer resigned just over 18 months ago.
Bastian Reinhardt was appointed in the summer, but has not really impressed club bosses and he will take on a lesser role from next season.
"Bastian deserves respect for his work and his loyalty in recent months," added Rieckhoff.
"I am glad we have managed to find a solution together with him which is right for everybody involved - for HSV and particularly for Bastian."
Arnesen will bring Chelsea's chief scout Lee Congerton with him in the summer and he will be employed as Hamburg's technical director.
"I am honoured by HSV's interest and the conviction shown to me by the people in charge of the club," Arnesen said.
"HSV is a special club with a great tradition and fantastic conditions to work in.
"I am convinced that we will develop something huge with the energy we have got and with the right decisions."
The 54-year-old Dane joined Chelsea in 2005 after first arriving in England at Tottenham.
He previously had a spell as assistant coach of PSV Eindhoven after ending his playing career in 1988.
The Dane played 52 times for his national team and scored 14 goals, and celebrated three Dutch titles with Ajax.
His appointment has also been welcomed by Hamburg coach Armin Veh, who said that the news "is important for the club".
"It is a decisive move for the coming years when such a person comes," he said.
President of the board Bernd Hoffmann added: "This is a good day for HSV.
"Frank Arnesen stands for long-term development and everything that makes modern football what it is."
Hamburg are the only current Bundesliga club to have remained in the top flight of German football since its inception 47 years ago without ever being relegated.
A 4-0 win over Werder Bremen yesterday took them up to seventh in the table - just a point behind the top five and a place in Europe next season, which is their goal for the season.
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