RIO DE JANEIRO, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Sao Paulo has named Roger Machado as manager for the rest of the 2026 Brazilian football season, the club said on Tuesday.

The 51-year-old replaces Hernan Crespo, who was sacked on Monday despite a strong start to the Brazilian Serie A season.

Machado will be joined by assistants Roberto Ribas, James Freitas and Adailton Bolzan, fitness coach Paulo Paixao, and performance analyst Guilherme Nunes.

"I'm very happy and motivated by this opportunity," the 51-year-old told the club's official website. "I know it is a very big challenge and I know the size of Sao Paulo. We'll be approaching our work with a positive mindset."

Machado had been out of work since parting ways with Internacional last September. His first match in charge will be a home clash against Chapecoense in Brazil's Serie A.

Sao Paulo is currently second in Brazil's 20-team Serie A standings with 10 points from four outings, behind leader Palmeiras on goal difference. ■