Australian football coach Ange Postecoglou will take charge of J.League club Yokohama F Marinos having sensationally quitting as Socceroos boss just weeks after guiding them to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

It will be the second stint abroad for the former Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory mentor, who coached Greek third division club Panachaiki in 2008. 

Postecoglou had ambitions of coaching in Europe, after guiding Australia through an arduous Asian Football Confederation qualifying campaign, which culminated in a two-legged sudden death play-off against Honduras. it is believed Yokohama's place in the City Group's expanding portfolio of clubs may have been a decisive factor in the 52 year-old's decision.  

“I am excited to be moving to Japan and returning to club football,” Postecoglou said. “Coaching YFM will be a great challenge and I am very much looking forward to working with the club’s players, and young players in particular, to achieve success.”

Postecoglou takes over at Marinos from French coach Erik Mombaerts, who had guided the club to fifth in the J.League last season and will preside over the team until its Emperor's Cup campaign has concluded. 

Should Marinos win that tournament, they will qualify for the AFC Champions League, where Postecoglou could potentially be drawn to coach against an A-League club.