Buenos Aires, Argentina (Best E Casino) - Carlos Bianchi stepped down as coach of Boca Juniors and was soon replaced by former Boca player Miguel Angel Brindisi.

Bianchi was under contract until the end of 2005, but decided it was in the club's best interest for him to relinquish the reigns.

"I am leaving Boca Juniors because I think that it is the best decision for the good of the club. I thank all of the club's sympathizers for the unconditional support and the affection that I have been given," Bianchi said.

The decision comes less than a week after Boca Juniors lost to Colombian side Once Caldas in the Copa Libertadores final. Boca lost 2-0 in a dismal display of penalties in the second and final leg of the final.

This was Bianchi's second go-around with the club, having also exited after a loss in December of 2001.

Brindisi was a member of Boca during the Diego Maradona era. He was on the club when they won the title in 1981. He has since picked up plenty of coaching experience over the past few years in Argentina, Ecuador and Guatemala.