Jardim proud to be given Braga job

Beaten UEFA Europa League finalists SC Braga have unveiled Leonardo Jardim as their new coach following Domingos Paciência's departure for Sporting Clube de Portugal.

The 36-year-old Jardim has signed a three-year contract with the Minho outfit having left SC Beira-Mar in February, with his former side going on to achieve a 13th-place Liga finish. Jardim had led the Aveiro club to promotion to the top division in his first season in charge, 2009/10.

"This is the highest point of my career," he said of his new position. "It's with great pride that I represent Braga, one of the big Portuguese clubs. It's normal to be under more pressure with a team that always plays to win. We are aware of the difficulties we face but they are motivating factors. We are going to work to overcome them and maintain the club's good results."

After finishing fourth in Portugal last term, Braga will enter the 2011/12 UEFA Europa League at the play-off stage. They have been busy in the transfer market in recent days, signing defenders Nuno André Coelho and Rodrigo Galo, midfielder Djamal and forwards Zé Luís and Douglas.