UWE Rosler says he has been handed "the chance of a lifetime" after replacing Neil Redfearn as the head coach of Leeds United on a two-year deal.

The former Brentford and Wigan boss was unveiled at a press conference this afternoon and was quick to insist he had no hesitation about becoming the latest in a long line of coaches under the stewardship of Massimo Cellino, known as the 'manager eater' during his time in Italy.

"I'm very happy to be here," said Rosler, who becomes Cellino's fifth head coach since he took control of the club in April 2014.

"This opportunity came at very short notice and it can't get bigger than this. It was a no-brainer.

"Life is a challenge. I know what I'm getting myself into. I thrive on pressure and challenges. I'm not suicidal. If I didn't see a chance to be successful, I wouldn't have taken it.

"I'm a hard-working person. It's the way I was brought up, the way I played the game, the way I deal with personal problems and the way I manage. I think you need those qualities to win the crowd over here.

"To be the head coach of Leeds United was the chance of a lifetime. This is a great football club with great potential."

Rosler takes the reins at Elland Road under a cloud, with Redfearn, who was under contract until June 30, seemingly in the dark about being replaced as Leeds boss until the last minute.

Cellino branded Redfearn as "weak" and a "baby" in the days leading up to his removal but executive director Adam Pearson, who himself has only been at the club little over a week, insisted the matter has been dealt with professionally.

"The clause hasn't been exercised on Neil's contract and he has been offered his old role in charge of the academy," said Pearson.

"It's been offered to him and I'm sure Neil will get back to me as soon as he's had time to consider it.

"It's a realistic and credible offer but Neil's track record over the last year I imagine would mean he would have other offers to consider. It was a very mature conversation.

"There's been a process in recruiting Mr Rosler to the club which I believe has been professional, and that's the way we intend to continue."

Pearson revealed the club had been inundated with applications once it became clear the head coach role was available.

"Hundreds of applicants were considered," he said.

"When it came out last night that Uwe was going to be appointed, the phone has been red hot with other candidates throwing their hats into the ring.

"But it was quite a definite decision by the president, and I think it's the right decision for this football club."

Rosler himself was not without his suitors, but once he heard of Leeds' interest there was only one club he was going to join.

He said: "I had a number of opportunities but I chose this one because it's Leeds United, because of the core of players and because the owner Mr Cellino is very passionate. I also have passion and we all want the best for this football club.

"My ambition next season is to get more points and improve the players collectively and individually. We're aiming for top 10. I would call that a successful season."

Cellino has developed a fearsome reputation during his short time in England but Rosler was impressed by the former Cagliari owner during their first meeting.

"It was an interesting conversation and I really enjoyed it," Rosler added.

"He's a very knowledgeable football man. We talked a lot about tactics and I showed him a presentation about my style of play."

Rosler will take his own management team to Elland Road once contracts have been finalised, while he has already put forward names of potential transfer targets.

Pearson insisted Rosler will have a big say in who is recruited this summer and believes the German is the man to get Leeds moving in the right direction.

Pearson said: "I'm really excited to have Uwe here. He's a top coach, a strong character and strong personality, and I think he will inspire this club and this crowd.

"We're excited about the future. I know it's easy for me to say that after ten days but I've only seen positive signs behind the scenes.

"It's significantly different to the public perception. What you see on the outside is not quite what's paddling under the water."