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Jupp Heynckes has agreed to coach Bayer Leverkusen as the replacement for Bruno Labbadia who is joining Hamburg.

Labbadia had earlier asked the club to terminate his contract, which ran until 2010, and later on Friday was appointed Hamburg coach on a three-year deal.

The 43-year-old Labbadia, who replaces Dutchman Martin Jol, returns to the club where he played as a striker from 1987-89.

"(Labbadia) stands for professionalism, passion and a clear game philosophy," said Hamburg sports director Dietmar Beiersdorfer.

Hamburg reached the German Cup and UEFA Cup semi-finals and finished fifth in the league to clinch a Europa League spot on the final matchday.

Heynckes came out of retirement to briefly take over as coach of Bayern Munich towards the end of the season.

He had repeatedly ruled out taking over another team having steered Bayern to second place and automatic Champions League qualification this season after filling the gap left by the sacked Juergen Klinsmann but was delighted with his new job.

"During my brief spell at Bayern I felt the fire in me still burning," the 64-year-old Heynckes said. "That is why I gladly take on this job."

Heynckes also coached Bayern from 1987-91 and guided Real Madrid to their 1998 Champions League win.

Leverkusen had a very good first stage this season under Labbadia but following a disastrous second round of matches, they finished ninth and missed out on a place in Europe.

They also lost to Werder Bremen in last month's German Cup final.

Reuters