Former Monaco manager Leonardo Jardim named new coach for Brazilian side Cruzeiro | OneFootball

Seemingly in managerial exile for several years, Leonardo Jardim has resurfaced in Brazil.

The man who helped guide AS Monaco to their last Ligue 1 title in 2016-17 has been named the new head coach of Cruzeiro in the Brasileiro Serie A.

Since departing the Principality in late December 2019, the Portuguese coach has managed Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League before brief stints in the United Arab Emirates Pro League, with a short spell at Al-Rayyan sandwiched in between.

Jardim’s departure from UAE side Al Ain was confirmed on Tuesday, with the ex-Monaco boss replacing Fernando Diniz at Cruzeiro after the latter was sacked late last month.

Formerly owned by ex-Brazilian star Ronaldo, the Belo Horizonte-based side, who have claimed four top-flight titles in the Brazilian top-flight, finished as runners-up in the Copa Sudamericana last season, losing in the final versus Racing Club (3-1).

During his time in the French top flight, Jardim coached more than 250 matches in two stints for Monaco, helping them make the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals in 2014-15 and the semis two seasons later. He was named the Ligue 1 Manager of the Year in 2016-17.

GFFN | Joel Lefevre