Japan’s Urawa Reds on Thursday announced the appointment of Oswaldo Oliveira as their new manager, filling a vacancy created at the beginning of the month as a result of Takafumi Hori’s dismissal.
After starting the 2018 campaign with two draws and three losses, the reigning AFC Champions League winners have gone on a tear since letting Hori go, winning three straight matches under interim manager Tsuyoshi Otsuki.
Oliveira, who most recently oversaw Brazil’s Atletico Mineiro, will return to Japan for the first time since 2011 when he concluded his five-year term with Kashima Antlers. It was at Kashima Stadium that the 67-year-old became the most successful manager in J.League history, winning six major trophies including an unprecedented three straight J1 titles between 2007 and 2009.
His CV features a who’s-who of Brazil’s most famous clubs including Corinthians, Flamengo, Santos, and Botafogo.
“It is an honour to be able to manage an amazing team with such strong support,” Oliveira said in a club release. “I want us to fight together for good results, and I believe in the combined power of our hard effort and the backing of our supporters.”
Oliveira, who accumulated an 89-44-37 J1 record with Antlers, will take over the team following their April 21 match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo.
