Tokyo Verdy named Brazilian Lori Sandri as the struggling J. League First Division club's new manager Tuesday.
Earlier this month, head coach Sandri took over managerial duties from Yukitaka Omi, who was given a "leave of absence" by Verdy after the club was left propping up the table without a point after five first-stage games of the 2002 season.
In other J. League news, Nagoya Grampus Eight are in negotiations to sign Croatian international Robert Prosinecki from English First Division side Portsmouth, club officials said Tuesday.
Nagoya is believed to have offered the 33-year-old midfielder £50,000 ($72,600) per week, although club officials said negotiations are still in the early stages and declined to comment on the financial terms of the deal.