Fluminense made a drastic decision after the goalless draw against Independiente Rivadavia at the Maracanã. The management of the Brazilian club decided to dismiss Luis Zubeldía, despite the fact that he still has to play the return match of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores against the Mendoza team.
The institution from Rio de Janeiro officially announced the departure of the Argentine coach, who also left his position along with his collaborators Maxi Cuberas, Carlos Gruezo, and Alejandro Escobar, as well as the physical trainer Lucas Vivas.
While the management defines who will be the definitive replacement, the permanent assistant Marcao will temporarily take over the leadership of the team.
Zubeldía leaves amid a crisis of results
The decision by Fluminense came after a streak of seven consecutive matches without a victory, a situation that ultimately accelerated the departure of the 45-year-old coach.
The Brazilian team had just been eliminated by Vasco da Gama in the Copa do Brasil and subsequently drew against Botafogo in the Brasileirao, a result that distanced them from the fight for the top positions. Despite the inconsistency, Fluminense currently occupies the fourth position in the Brazilian championship.
The draw against Independiente Rivadavia further deepened the doubts of the management. The carioca team will now have to face the return match of the Libertadores series with an interim coach and without Zubeldía on the bench.
The peculiar attitude of Zubeldía during the match
Amid the decision of the Brazilian board, a scene featuring the Argentine coach during the match against Independiente Rivadavia also caught attention.
During one of the hydration breaks, Zubeldía was particularly energetic in conveying instructions to his players. The coach took advantage of those minutes to talk to his players and seek to modify the performance of a team that failed to impose itself at home.
However, just a few hours after the match, Fluminense officially confirmed the end of his cycle.
