The 53 year-old joins the five-time J1 League champion after a title-winning season with Auckland, leading it to the A-League championship in only theitsir second season and becoming the first New Zealand team to win the Grand Final in the competition's 20-year history.

He replaces Hideo Oshima, who took charge in June last year but was dismissed this month after the club finished seventh in Group A of the J1 League.

The Australian is no stranger to Japanese football, having played for Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2000-2001, making 50 appearances and scoring 18 goals.

"I am incredibly proud and honoured to be returning to Japan. My first experience here was as a player, and now to come back as manager of such a fantastic football club is a privilege that means a great deal to me," Corica said.

"I have come here with a clear ambition – to win trophies, restore a winning mentality and re-establish the culture and standards that have made this club one of the most successful in Japan."