MEXICO CITY, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Argentinian manager Diego Cocca was named head coach of Mexico's Atlas FC, the club he represented as a player two decades ago, on Tuesday.
Cocca replaces Rafael Puente, who was sacked on Monday following the team's disappointing start to the Liga MX Apertura season.
"(Diego) knows the importance of the red and black shirt, its values and everything that goes with representing this club," Atlas said in a statement, without disclosing details of the contract.
A former right-back, Cocca made 81 appearances for Atlas from 1999 to 2001. He also had spells as a player with Mexican first division clubs Veracruz and Queretaro.
The 48-year-old's connection with Mexico continued after his retirement in 2006, having had brief periods in charge of Santos Laguna and Tijuana.
He has been out of work since parting ways with the Argentinian Superliga side Rosario Central in July.
Atlas are currently 16th in the 18-team Apertura standings with a draw and two losses from their first three matches of the season.
Cocca's first game in charge of Atlas will be a home clash against Toluca on Thursday. Enditem
