Rangnick named Schalke coach

BERLIN (Reuters) -- Ralf Rangnick was named as Schalke 04 coach on Thursday, a day after the Champions League quarter-finalists parted ways with Felix Magath.

"The 52-year-old signed a contract until 2014," Schalke said in a statement, adding that he would be on the bench for the first time against St Pauli on April 1.

Interim coach Seppo Eichkorn will take charge for Sunday's game against Bayer Leverkusen.

"Rangnick will be officially presented on Monday," Schalke said.

Rangnick's appointment ended weeks of uncertainty after the club had hinted they wanted to sack Magath following a mediocre run but the team's qualification for the German Cup final and the Champions League last eight delayed that decision.

Rangnick coached Schalke from September 2004 to December 2005, steering them to the German Cup final and the Bundesliga runners-up spot, a position they also held at the end of last season, Magath's first in charge.

Rangnick's most recent job was with Hoffenheim where he took over in 2006 with the team in the regional division.

He led them to two promotions and into the Bundesliga before leaving in January.

Schalke lie 10th in the standings.