MEXICO CITY, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- Argentine manager Diego Cocca said Friday that his past success with Atlas meant little as he starts a second spell in charge of the Mexican top-flight club.
Cocca said he is embracing the challenge of reviving Atlas' fortunes after the team's poor start to the 2025 Liga MX Apertura tournament.
"The trophies are in the past, now there's another reality, another squad and another chance to show I can transform teams again," he told reporters in his official presentation.
The 53-year-old replaced Gonzalo Pineda as manager on Tuesday after a 3-0 home loss to Pachuca. The result left Atlas 14th in the 18-team Liga MX standings, the same position it occupied at the end of last season.
Cocca vowed to bring "positive energy" to the role and implored Atlas' players to be prepared to work hard.
"We'll continue with respect, working hard and doing everything for my club, which is Atlas and the place where I want to be in the world," he said.
Cocca, who represented Atlas as a player, guided the Guadalajara-based club to the 2021 Apertura and 2022 Clausura titles during his first spell in charge.
He has since had stints as manager of Tigres UANL, Mexico, Valladolid and Talleres Cordoba.
The first game of Cocca's new tenure will be an away clash against last-placed Queretaro on Saturday. ■
