DOHA (AFP) - Doha-based side Lekhwiya announced on Tuesday that Michael Laudrup will take over as coach with immediate effect.

The Dane has been out of a job since he was sacked at Swansea in the English Premier League in February.

The club, previously coached by Belgian Eric Gerets, said on their official website that details of his contract would be announced at a later date.

The former Barcelona and Real Madrid midfielder admitted that he may look for a challenge beyond football management when his deal with Lekhwiya expires.

Laudrup, 50, who also played for Juventus and Ajax during a glittering career, told Danish newspaper Politiken: "I'm now entering my final phase as a coach.

"Although whether Lekhwiya will be my final or penultimate club I can't say.

"And I don't know either whether this phase while last two, three of four years. The answer is blowing in the wind."