Rio de Janeiro, December 30 (HS): Veteran manager Cuca has been appointed head coach of Atletico Mineiro for the fourth time, the Brazilian Serie A club said on Sunday.

The 61-year-old will replace Argentine Gabriel Milito, who parted ways with the club by mutual consent earlier this month.

Atletico said in a statement on social media, The most capped manager for Atletico Mineiro in Brazil's top level and our biggest winner is back.

Cuca, whose real name is Alexi Stival, agreed a deal that runs until December 2026. He will be joined by assistants Cuquinha and Daniel Cerqueira.

Cuca also managed the club during separate periods from 2011 to 2013 and in 2021 and 2022. His list of trophies with the Belo Horizonte club includes the 2013 Copa Libertadores and the 2021 Brazilian Serie A title.

Atletico finished 12th in the 2024 Brazilian Serie A standings and were runners-up to Botafogo in this year's Copa Libertadores.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar