Martinez era begins at Boca Juniors

BUENOS AIRES : Argentine giants Boca Juniors began pre-season training on Tuesday with Diego Martinez as their new coach following the exit of Jorge Almiron.

Martinez, who managed Huracan last season, takes over on a one-year deal after Almiron resigned following Boca's Copa Libertadores final loss to Brazil's Fluminense in November.

The 45-year-old Martinez returns to the club having made his coaching debut with Boca's youth teams after his retirement as a player in 2011.

Boca kick off their league campaign at Platense on Jan. 28 four days after hosting Central Norte in the Argentine Cup first round.

The Buenos Aires-based club will also compete in the continental Copa Sudamericana, South America's equivalent of the Europa League, which starts in March.