Former Mexico national team manager Ricardo La Volpe is the new head coach of Club America.
The Liga MX giants announced the deal on Thursday and said he would be in charge for Saturady's home game against Mexico City rival Pumas.
The 64-year-old coach, who led Chiapas last season, signed a contract until the end of the Clausura 2017 season and will challenge on three fronts -- Liga MX, Copa MX and Club World Cup -- between now and the end of the year.
"It's flattering," said La Volpe in an interview with ESPN Digital's Rene Tovar. "It is something that is very important for me in my career. Being handed a team like America is a great opportunity."
La Volpe replaces Ignacio Ambriz, who was removed from his position on Sunday after Las Aguilas lost 2-0 at home in Estadio Azteca to Leon the day before.
America sits in sixth place in the Apertura 2016 table, just inside the playoff spots, but fans became disillusioned with the team's style of play in its centennial year and Ambriz's position came under serious question after bitter rivals Chivas defeated his side 3-0 last month.
Ricardo Antonio La Volpe es oficialmente nuestro nuevo Director Técnico. pic.twitter.com/kScrKsKKIY
- Club América (@ClubAmerica) September 22, 2016
The Argentina native said he believes the current Club America team -- the reigning CONCACAF Champions League holders -- can fight for the Apertura title.
La Volpe's career peaked at the 2006 World Cup, when his Mexico team came close to knocking out Argentina at the round-of-16 stage playing an attacking brand of football.
He was controversially removed from his position as Chivas coach in April 2014, when team owner Jorge Vergara accused him of inappropriate conduct toward a female member of staff at the club, although the Argentine denied any wrongdoing.