Ivo Vieira is the new coach of Tondela

Ivo Vieira took over as coach of Tondela in the Portuguese I League this Saturday, one day after the departure of Luís Pinto, who led the team from Beira to promotion, confirmed the SAD of the Beira club.

“In the season of return to the I League, the Madeiran coach with vast national and international experience takes over the technical command of the 'auriverdes'”, informed the Tondelenses, in a statement, announcing the one-year contract with the former right-back.

Ivo Vieira, aged 49, began his coaching career at Nacional, the club where he spent his entire senior playing career, and also has experience at clubs such as Marítimo, Desportivo das Aves, Académica, Estoril Praia, Moreirense, Vitória de Guimarães, Famalicão and Gil Vicente.

Outside Portugal, he played for Saudi Arabia, Al Wehda, Brazilian side Cuiabá and Turkish side Pendikspor, having finished last season as coach of Marítimo, in the II Liga, after succeeding Rui Duarte.

He now succeeds Luís Pinto, who, on Friday, was confirmed as the new coach of Vitória de Guimarães, after having led Tondela back to the first division and the title of champion of the II League.

Speaking to the club, Ivo Vieira said he was “very pleased” with the invitation and admitted that it will be a year “of many challenges in which everyone will be important, players, staff and fans”.

“I can’t wait to start working and get to know the corners of the house, which from now on is also my home,” he said.

According to the club, Ivo Vieira is already preparing for the new season and the first meeting with the squad is scheduled for June 30, the day on which the football pre-season begins for the eighth season among the “big teams”, three years after the last presence.