MEXICO CITY, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Pumas UNAM on Thursday appointed former Real Madrid and Spain international midfielder Michel as their new head coach on a two year contract.

The 56-year-old replaces Argentine Bruno Marioni, who was sacked earlier in the day after the side's disappointing Liga MX Clausura campaign.

"Pumas are taking a different course and Michel's way of working fits in with our philosophy. It's time for new ideas," Pumas sporting director Jesus Ramirez told reporters.

Michel has been out of work since being sacked by Spanish club Malaga in January 2018. His managerial career also includes spells in charge of Marseille, Olympiacos, Sevilla, Getafe, Real Madrid B and Rayo Vallecano.

As a player, Michel represented Real Madrid 404 times and scored 97 goals between 1982 and 1996. He was capped 66 times by Spain's national team and was a member of the Roja's 1986 and 1990 World Cup squads.