The 38-year-old succeeds Horst Heldt, following his controversial move to Schalke three weeks ago.

The former Stuttgart striker has signed a two-year contract with an option for another two years.

Bobic was contracted to Bulgarian side Chernomorets Burgas but now returns to the club where he made 148 appearances, scoring 69 goals.

The 38-year-old enjoyed the best spell of his playing career with Stuttgart. He was the Bundesliga's top scorer in the 1995-96 season and won the German Cup in 1997 as part of the so-called 'magic triangle' along with Giovane Elber and Krassimir Balakov.

His first job will be to convince Germany midfielder Sami Khedira to stay at the club amid interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Eurosport