GUANGZHOU, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Brazil World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has replaced Fabio Cannavaro as manager of Guangzhou Evergrande, the Chinese club said on Thursday.
Scolari, 66, signed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Chinese Super League champions just two weeks after quitting as manager of Brazil's Gremio.
Cannavaro, who captained Italy to victory at the 2006 World Cup, took over from his compatriot Marcello Lippi in December. He has guided Guangzhou to top spot in the current season's standings with seven wins from 13 matches.
"According to the club' s strategic development needs, it was decided to appoint Mr Scolari as coach," Guangzhou said.
"The club once again expresses its heartfelt thanks to the hard work of Mr Cannavaro."
Guangzhou, winners of the past four Chinese Super League titles, currently have four Brazilians in their squad: Rene Junior, Alan, Elkeson and Ricardo Goulart.
It is understood Scolari will be joined by his long-time assistant coach Flavio Murtosa.
Scolari coached Brazil to victory at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
He returned for a second spell as the Selecao coach in late 2012 before being axed after the team's 7-1 World Cup semifinal defeat to Germany last July.