Brindisi named new Boca Juniors coach

BUENOS AIRES, July 5 (Reuters) -- BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Miguel Angel Brindisi took over as coach of Boca Juniors on Tuesday, replacing Carlos Bianchi after the abrupt exit of one of the most successful coaches in Boca history.

The 53-year-old former midfielder played for Boca in the 1980s alongside Diego Maradona. Now he takes over a team that has won three of the past five Copa Libertadores titles but lost in the final this year.

"We evaluated a number of candidates and the decision to chose Brindisi was unanimous," Boca Juniors vice president Pedro Pompilio said Monday. "He's a longtime friend of the club and very loved by the Boca family."

Bianchi, who led Boca to three Copa Libertadores titles and two Intercontinental Cups, shocked fans and team directors by resigning Sunday, days after Boca lost in a penalty shootout to Once Caldas of Colombia in South America's club championship.

Bianchi had two stints at Boca, from 1998-2001 and 2003-04, but reportedly left this time because of differences with Boca's management.

Brindisi takes over Boca after coaching several Argentine clubs. He mostly recently led Lanus and has also coached at Independiente, Huracan, Racing and Barcelona of Ecuador.

The Bianchi announcement surprised many Boca officials.

"We were totally caught off guard," said Jose Beralde, the head of Boca's soccer operations. "We had been working under the assumption he was continuing as coach. Perhaps he feels he's completed a cycle here in Boca."

Last year, Bianchi was voted as the top coach in Latin America in an annual poll by regional journalists and commentators.

Bianchi became a fan favorite during his first stint at Boca, lifting the club from mid-table mediocrity and quickly transforming it into one of Argentina's most successful teams.

During Bianchi's tenure, Boca won nine titles, including four domestic league championships.

Many Boca fans were not happy with the change.

Although Brindisi was praised for his midfield work alongside Maradona when the Buenos Aires club won the 1981 Argentine title, Boca fan Norberto Casado isn't convinced Brindisi has what it takes as coach.

"He just doesn't measure up to Bianchi," the 25-year-old news vendor said.

Lifetime Boca fan Mario Vera said he considered Bianchi to be the best.

"It's going to be very difficult for Brindisi to match up to him," said Vera, 50, who crossed his fingers. "Still, I pray he can achieve what Bianchi did."

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