Diego Simeone is the new coach of the Spanish Primera Liga side Atletico Madrid, the club announced.
Simeone replaces Gregorio Manzano, who was sacked Thursday following his side's defeat to Albacete in the Spanish Copa del Rey and a poor start to the season that has left the club just four points above the relegation zone.
Simeone becomes the 49th coach at Atletico since Miguel Angel's father, Jesus Gil, took control of the club in 1987.
The 41-year-old was a hero of the Atletico Madrid side that won a league and cup double in the 1995-96 season before leaving to play in Italy, where he played for Inter Milan and Lazio.
He returned for another year at Atletico late in his career in 2003, but again left the club to end his playing career.
Moving into coaching after hanging up his boots, Simeone worked with Racing Club de Santander, before working with River Plate, Estudiantes, San Lorenzo and with Italian side Catania, and then finally returning to Racing, who he abandoned at the end of last week.
