Krasimir Balakov has eight matches to save Kaiserslautern from relegation out of the Bundesliga.
The last-place club confirmed Thursday that the former Bulgaria captain and Stuttgart midfielder is the team's new coach after Balakov terminated his contract with Hajduk Split in Croatia.
Balakov signed a deal that will keep him in Kaiserslautern through the end of the next season.
''I took Kaiserslautern's offer because I believe that we can pull together and avoid relegation,'' Balakov said in a statement distributed by the club.
Kaiserslautern is winless in 16 matches and fired coach Marco Kurz after the 4-1 home loss to Schalke on Sunday. The club is six points from safety.
Kaiserslautern chairman Stefan Kuntz said Balakov will remain even if the club is relegated.
Balakov's first game in charge will be at Freiburg on Saturday. Freiburg is two places and five points ahead of Kaiserslautern.
