AFTER working with some of the world's best players at Barcelona, Spanish-born Josep Gombau has landed the role as head coach of Adelaide United for the next two seasons.

The 36-year-old has spent the past four years in charge of Hong Kong first division club Kitchee, taking it to two titles and several other trophies as well as being named coach of the year twice.

Gombau had previously worked as an academy coach at Barcelona for six years, playing a key role in developing some of the club's present-day champions.

Adelaide's general manager of football operations Michael Petrillo said the club was delighted to secure Gombau's services.

"What we looked for in a coach was the ability to implement a football philosophy which is first and foremost successful," Petrillo said.

"The by-products of the philosophy also need to produce a style that is entertaining and relevant to the modern game - a style that the players will understand and embrace as theirs.

"Josep has a wealth of experience within what has arguably been the best club in world football for the last decade."