Tapalovic will work closely with new boss Marco Kurz and fellow assistant Jacobo Ramallo over the next two seasons.

The 40-year-old played with Kurz during their time together at Schalke 04 and 1860 Munich in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Born in Germany, Tapalovic was capped three times by Croatia due to his parents’ heritage and amassed over 130 German Bundesliga appearances with the likes of VfL Bochum, Schalke and 1860 Munich.

“I’m happy to be here and I think it’s an exciting challenge for me,” Tapalovic said.

“I’m looking forward to start training. Marco called me earlier this month and it all went very fast.

“It’s a new part of my life and I think that the team is very important for me to learn and to grow in my football career and I’m looking forward to start with the team.”

Tapalovic's previous managerial experience includes taking charge of the Under-17 and Under-19 sides of 1860 Munich in addition to serving as the assistant coach of the senior outfit.