Brussels (AFP) – Former Portuguese international Ricardo Sa Pinto, 44, has been named as the new coach of Standard Liege, the Belgian giants announced on Sunday.

Sa Pinto played for Standard towards the end of his playing career. Last season, he coached Greek outfit Atromitos, while he previously coached Sporting Lisbon amongst others.

Standard are 10-time Belgian champions but have just endured a disappointing season, missing out on the Belgian championship play-offs for the second season running.

According to Belgian media, Sa Pinto was not the club’s first choice for the position — French former Lyon and Aston Villa boss Remi Garde had been among the other names linked to the post.