Palmeiras have hired coach Dorival Junior after sacking Argentine Ricardo Gareca.
The former Palmeiras player, who represented the club between 1989 and 1992, has signed a contract until June next year, and his immediate task will be to steer the club away from relegation. The former Vasco boss was introduced to the Brazilian press this afternoon.
Dorival has been without a club since being in charge of Fluminense at the end of last season.
As soon as Gareca was relieved of his duties, Dorival Junior was identified as the favourite for the job. He was the first choice of club president Paulo Nobre, who wanted the veteran after sacking Gilson Kleina back in May.
Due to his experience, the new manager is not considered a gamble. Besides Vasco da Gama and Fluminense, he has also had spells in charge of Flamengo, São Paulo, Santos, Cruzeiro, Atlético-MG and Internacional.
One of the major problems with the former manager was his inability to convey his ideas to his playing staff. For Brazilian Dorival, there should be no such issues.
Palmeiras are struggling to avoid a second relegation in three seasons, having dropped down to Série B in 2012.
The club are currently in 16th position in the league table, with 17 points from 18 games, and have already suffered 11 defeats.
Dorival’s first game in charge will be away to Atlético-PR on Sunday.
