This Monday, June 24, 2024, Fluminense announced the sacking of coach Fernando Diniz.
The firing of the Libertadores-winning coach came as a result of their loss in the Fla-Flu derby, where Fluminense played city rivals Flamengo and lost 1-0.
Diniz went into the match already on the hot seat, as a series of bad results had created a lot of pressure on the team.
As a result of the mounting pressure, many knew, and it was even predicted here on The Roadrunner, that a loss in the derby would probably mean a sacking for Diniz, and so it did.
However, while it was predicted that a loss would result in Diniz being fired, the sacking still comes as a surprise nonetheless since Fluminense had just recently announced a contract extension with the Brazilian manager.
Diniz joined Fluminense in 2022, and this period at the club marks the coach’s second stint.
His most notable achievement at Fluminense was winning the club’s first Libertadores, something for which he will forever be remembered. But despite the immense continental success attained last year, this year’s poor domestic performances sealed Diniz’s fate.
Now, without Diniz, Fluminense will rely on the well-known Marcão, who will be the team’s interim manager for the upcoming games against Vitória (June 27) and Grêmio (June 30).
Fernando Diniz is now free in the market and has been speculated to join many Brazilian clubs such as Athletico Paranaense, Corinthians, and Vasco.
Overall, Diniz’s dismissal shows the brutal reality of being a coach in Brazil.
A country where, no matter how successful the process has been, it only takes a few present failures to overshadow past triumphs.
As Fluminense moves on with Marcão at the wheel, the club faces a long road ahead, currently last in the Brazilian league.
Despite their horrific domestic standings, the team from Rio de Janeiro has high hopes for the rest of the season, as they are still alive in the Brazilian Cup and have their spot guaranteed in the Libertadores Round of 16.
