Niko Kovac, the former Croatian international who played for four Bundesliga clubs, has been named the new coach of Eintracht Frankfurt.

A statement on the club's website confirmed that the 44 year-old has replaced Armin Veh, who failed to secure a victory in his last seven games in charge. Frankfurt currently occupies the relegation playoff spot, three points ahead of Hoffenheim in the relegation zone with nine league matches left this season.

Heribert Bruchhagen, the club's CEO, understands the urgency of the situation: "It must be Nico Kovac's goal to stir the team into action. We are confident that he will do it," he said.

This is the Frankfurt's third permanent coach in less than one calendar year, after Veh replaced Thomas Schaaf in the summer. Kovac most recently managed the Croatian national team between 2013-2015. He played for Hertha BSC, Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburger SV and Bayern Munich between 1992-2006, winning the double with Bayern in 2003.

Kovac will be joined by brother Robert, another former Croatian international, who will be his assistant coach. Kovac's contract runs until 2017 and is only valid for the Bundesliga.

kd/rd (dpa, SGE)