RIO DE JANEIRO, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Former Brazil national team manager Fernando Diniz was Friday confirmed as the new head coach of Vasco da Gama.

The 51-year-old agreed to a deal that runs until December 2026, the Brazilian Serie A club said in a statement on its official website.

He replaces Fabio Carille, who was sacked on April 27 after the club's poor start to the season.

Vasco is currently 14th in the 20-team Brazilian Serie A standings - nine points behind leader Palmeiras - with just two wins from seven games so far.

Diniz will be joined by assistants Ricardo Colbachini and Evandro Fornari, as well as physical trainer Wagner Bertelli.

It will be his second spell in charge of the Rio de Janeiro outfit, having led the club for 12 matches in 2021.

The first game of his new stint will be an away clash against Argentina's Lanus in the Copa Sudamericana next Tuesday. ■