Léo Lima has been appointed technical co-ordinator by Olaria, the Rio de Janeiro club in the state’s second division, marking the 44-year-old’s first role off the pitch. According to Globo.com, the announcement came on Monday.
It is his first position in a director role in football. The former midfielder last played in 2019, a brief stint with Anapolina in Goiás before retiring.
He said his expectations are as positive as possible and he would work alongside the coaching staff and board, tracking the youth set-up to monitor new talent. He added he is taking management courses and has been shadowing professionals to build experience.
He believes he can pass on some of his on-field experience and plans to speak extensively with the squad, particularly the younger players.
A Rio native and Vasco academy graduate with strong ties to the club, he made 138 appearances and scored 16 goals across two spells. Supporters most recall his rabona cross for Souza’s goal in the win over Fluminense in the 2003 Carioca final.
He was also in the Vasco squad that won the 2009 Serie B and secured promotion to Serie A the following year. He won the Paulista with Santos in 2006 and with Palmeiras in 2008, and also represented São Paulo, Flamengo, Goiás, Grêmio and Santa Cruz.
