Vasco da Gama have officially announced that Joel Santana is to be their new coach.
The 65-year-old has signed a contract until December 2014, and will take charge of his first training session tomorrow, when he will also be presented to the press.
His first game back as manager of the Cruz-Maltino will be on Tuesday. Vasco host Luverdense, in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B, at their São Januário home.
Santana’s sole task is to ensure Vasco gain promotion from the second division back to Série A. The club were relegated last season following a string of financial difficulties that provoked a mass exodus of playing staff.
Vasco currently sit sixth in Série B, with 32 points.
“I am happy to be back receiving a salary after over a year. Now, for example, I am at the bank. The bills don’t stop arriving.
“I am going to help Vasco. It is going to be good for everyone,” Santana told UOL Esporte.
Besides the veteran boss, Marcelo Salles will arrive as his assistant coach, and Ronaldo Torres will also be joining the backroom staff at Vasco. The pair have worked alongside Santana for a number of years.
Vasco were eliminated from the Copa do Brasil in midweek after losing to ABC. Santana must also raise morale following last Saturday’s 5-0 thrashing at the hands of promotion rivals Avai.
