RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Former Boca Juniors and Argentina striker Martin Palermo has been appointed head coach of Fortaleza, the Brazilian Serie A side said on Wednesday.

The 51-year-old replaces Renato Paiva, who was sacked on Tuesday after just 10 games in charge amid a poor run of results. Palermo's agreement runs until December with an option to extend for another year.

"We were looking for a manager who would have an impact in the locker room, a respected professional who has been on an upward trajectory," Fortaleza CEO Marcelo Paz said in a statement on the club's website.

"Martin understood Fortaleza's current situation, the challenge we face, and the need for a team that fights for every ball so that we can get out of this predicament."

Palermo, who turned to coaching after ending his playing career in 2011, has been out of work since parting ways with Paraguay's Olimpia in April.

His first game in charge of Fortaleza, currently 19th in the 20-team Serie A standings, will be a home duel against Vitoria on September 13. ■