Rene Weiler (Getty/Kyodo)

       TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Swiss coach Rene Weiler will take the reins at Kashima Antlers, while FC Tokyo have confirmed the hiring of Spaniard Albert Puig in the J-League first-division's latest management changes announced Friday.

       Former Switzerland international Weiler becomes the first European to fill the top job at Antlers, who have only had Japanese or Brazilian managers since the inauguration of the J-League in 1993.

       The 48-year-old managed several clubs in his home country and Germany before winning league titles in Belgium with Anderlecht and in Egypt with Al Ahly.

       He replaces Naoki Soma, who stepped down after steering Kashima to fourth in the J1, having been promoted from coach to manager following the sacking of Antonio Carlos Zago in April.

       The 53-year-old Puig, a former Barcelona youth manager, has led J-League second-division side Albirex Niigata for the past two seasons.

       He replaces Kenta Hasegawa, who left Ajinomoto Stadium last month to take responsibility for poor results. FC Tokyo finished the season ninth following his departure.

       The 56-year-old Hasegawa was named the new manager of Nagoya Grampus on Thursday, replacing the outgoing Italian Massimo Ficcadenti.

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