RIO DE JANEIRO, March 23 -- Fluminense announced on Wednesday the arrival of a new assistant coach and the hiring of a new head coach, filling the shoes of Muricy Ramalho.
Abel Braga reached a verbal agreement with the team, but will only be able to take command in June. Meanwhile, recently signed assistant coach Enderson Moreira will lead Fluminense.
Abel Braga has been the target of multiple teams over the last year. However, the coach always replied that he fully intends on honoring his contract with Al-Jazira from the United Arab Emirates. The coach' s contract expires at the end of May, allowing Braga to return to Brazil.
Despite reaching a verbal agreement, Braga stated that he would not be upset with the club if they were to sign with another coach before June, understanding that 10 weeks is a long time to be without a head coach.
Abel is expected to bring his own coaching staff that includes assistant coaches Leomir and Marcelo Chirol, goalie coach Marquinhos, consultant Robertinho and physical trainer Cristiano. A potential problem may arise as assistant coach Moreira just arrived, as well as physical trainer Ronaldo Torres.
Fluminense has a crucial match on Wednesday night, receiving Mexico' s America in the return leg of the group phase of the Libertadores Cup. The team currently stands in last place of Group 3 with only 2 points after two draws and a loss.
Moreira, a former assistant coach of Internacional, will command the team into Wednesday night' s match. The assistant is confident that the team can turn its situation around and qualify to the round of sixteen in the continental tournament.
The team will need to win each of its three remaining matches in group play, facing America, Uruguay' s Nacional on the road as well as traveling to play Argentina Juniors.