Cuca could be named new Palmeiras coach

Rio de Janeiro, March 10 (IANS) Cuca could be named the new coach of Brazilian football club Palmeiras following the sacking of Marcelo Oliviera.

Oliveira, who won two Brazilian league titles with Cruzeiro in 2013 and 2014, was dismissed on Wednesday following the club's 1-2 defeat to Nacional of Uruguay in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores, reports Xinhua.

Palmeiras currently sit in second place in Group 2 of the continental competition, with four points from three games.

The Brazilian club are now in a hurry to find a new manager, with a derby game against Sao Paulo on Sunday and the return game against Nacional on March 17.

Cuca lifted the Copa Libertadores title when in charge of Atletico Mineiro in 2013, and has been out of work since leaving Chinese club Shandong Luneng last year.

Cuca is reportedly seen as the perfect fit to boost the confidence of both the playing squad and the club's supporters.