BUENOS AIRES, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Former Barcelona and Argentina international center-back Gabriel Milito has been appointed head coach of Estudiantes de La Plata, the Argentine club said on Monday.

The 38-year-old replaces Leandro Benitez, who was sacked late last month following the team's poor run of results in the Superliga Argentina, the country's top football division.

"Milito will lead his first training session on Tuesday after which he will be officially presented to the media at a news conference," Estudiantes said in a statement, adding that the coach initially agreed to a 15-month contract.

It will be Milito's second spell in charge of the club following his brief period as manager in 2015.

He has also been head coach of O'Higgins and Independiente since ending his playing career in 2012.

Estudiantes are currently 17th in the 26-team Superliga standings with just six wins from 22 matches.