US Soccer has appointed Andreas Herzog as the new head coach of the USA U20 side.
The 46-year old Austrian has been handed the reins as the U23s side looks to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.
Herzog, who spent time with the likes of Rapid Vienna, Werder Bremen, Bayern Munich and LA Galaxy during his playing career, will step up from his role as Juergen Klinsmann's senior assistant which the German feels is a clever choice by the federation.
"Andi has plenty of experience and knowledge in order to prepare this group for the international level," Klinsmann said in a statement.
"As a former coach of the U-21 Austria team, he has a lot of experience connecting to the younger generation of players. Having been with the senior national team these past years, he understands the challenges of putting together a team with players coming from all over.
"Andi is absolutely ready to step into this role, and he deserves this opportunity."
Herzog was thrilled to be given the chance to take control of the U23s who he will try and guide into the Olympics for the 14th time.
"I'm honored to have the opportunity to coach the US Under-23 national team," Herzog added.
"We recognize the special place that the Olympic Games have in this country, and we are committed as a group to qualifying for Rio in 2016. We look forward to putting together a team that will make all Americans proud.
"We also know it's a part of our responsibility to develop players who will be able to contribute to the senior national team, and that process has already begun."
#USMNT assistant coach Andi Herzog has been named head coach of the U-23 MNT. READ more: http://t.co/MOfVQ4fghspic.twitter.com/mKCl8HpBYW
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) January 23, 2015
