Mirko Slomka has been appointed head coach at Schalke 04, the Bundesliga club have confirmed.

Schalke dismissed previous incumbent Ralf Rangnick last month three days after the coach announced he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Slomka, who had been Rangnick’s assistant since October 2004, will initially coach the club until the end of the season, Schalke said on their website on Wednesday.

“If it works out, we can certainly imagine working with Mirko Slomka beyond June 30, 2006,” team manager Andreas Mueller said in a statement.

Schalke are currently fourth in the table, 13 points behind leaders Bayern and five behind Werder Bremen in third, the final Champions League qualification spot.

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