体坛英语新闻：Flamengo announces Silas as new head coach

RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Zico, the director of Flamengo soccer team, announced on Sunday the signing of head coach Silas.

The coach will lead the team during the rest of the 2010 Brazilian Championship in defense of the club's title.

Zico revealed that he tried to make an agreement with Carlos Alberto Parreira, but the coach refused the job. A host of other names toped the list, including Vanderlei Luxemburgo, Ricardo Gomes, Paulo Cesar Carpegiani and the assistant coach to Dunga during the World Cup in South Africa, Jorginho.

Zico and Flamengo recently fired head coach Rogerio Lourenco on August 27. The director promised that he would find a replacement by the end of the week. Making good on his promise, Zico met with Silas to finalize the negotiation on Sunday.

Silas is expected to receive his official presentation to the club on August 30. He will begin his work right away, preparing the team for their match against Cruzeiro on September 1 in the 18th round of the Brazilian Championship.

Silas made a name for himself while coaching Avai in 2008, taking the team to the first division of the Brazilian Championship.

In 2009, the coach led Avai to finish sixth place in the tournament. Traded to Gremio, the coach was unable to put together a winning record, leading to his quick dismissal.

Flamengo hopes that Silas will bring in a renewed sense of professionalism to help to club defend their 2009 Brazilian Championship title.