Madrid - The Catalan regional football federation announced on Monday that their new manager will be former Barcelona player and coach Johan Cruyff.

Cruyff, 62, takes over from Pere Gratacos, who guided the Catalan team through six matches in the past three years.

The Catalan team plays two or three friendlies every year, against official national teams. Many Catalans would like their sporting teams to participate in international competitions.

Cruyff will be presented by the media by the Catalan federation on November 9. The length of his contract and his salary have not been made public.

Several parts of the Catalan media have been opposed to the appointment of Cruyff because he does not speak the Catalan language.

Cruyff has not coached at all since 1996, when he was dramatically sacked by Barca after guiding them to four Spanish leagues and one Champions Cup in a glorious eight-year reign.

He played for Barca between 1973 and 1978, helping them to win their first league since 1960. (dpa)