Souza takes first coaching job at Arouca Barra Clube/Rio de Janeiro | OneFootball

Souza, the former Vasco, Porto and Fenerbahce midfielder, has been appointed head coach of Arouca Barra Clube/Rio de Janeiro, his first role in management.

According to Globo.com, the 37-year-old steps in as the Rio outfit enter professional football for the first time this year.

The club had previously focused solely on youth development and will compete in Série B2, the equivalent of the Carioca fourth tier.

Souza retired last year after a short return to Vasco and has been studying football management to obtain a CBF B licence. He plans to pursue a career in coaching.

He said the project aims to promote young players onto the national stage by using Rio de Janeiro’s existing talent pathways and moving prospects into the senior game.

He added that these youngsters could soon feature for other clubs in Brazil and abroad, and that he wants to apply his football experience and people leadership to help them take the next step.

Their campaign is scheduled to begin on 30 August.

Source: Globo.com