Former Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has been named coach of Bunyodkor, the Uzbek champion announced on Tuesday. The 60-year-old former Brazil World Cup-winning coach, who was sacked by the London club in February, has agreed an 18-month contract with the Uzbek side.
"Uzbek soccer is on an upswing right now while Bunyodkor is a very dynamic club with great potential," Scolari was quoted as saying on the club's website. "I know that I am at the right place in the right time."
Scolari succeeds fellow Brazilian Zico, who led Bunyodkor to the league and cup double and Asian Champions League semifinals last year before quitting in December to join CSKA Moscow. Scolari is bringing a team of assistant coaches to the Uzbek capital and will be reunited with midfielder Rivaldo, who was part of Scolari's 2002 World Cup-winning team.