Official: Flamengo dismiss coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo

Flamengo president Patricia Amorim has confirmed that the club have parted company with coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo.

Brazilian sources had already reported on Wednesday evening that the decision was imminent, but Amorim was quick to give the 59-year-old coach a vote of confidence, only to confirm his dismissal less than 24 hours later.

"We won the match [against Real Potosi] and Flamengo consolidated their Copa Libertadores project," she is quoted by Globoesporte as saying.

"Before the game, some news emerged. We had not signed any coach yesterday [Wednesday]. Until today [Thursday], Luxemburgo was the coach.

"I did not deny it [his sacking] in any way. It was a communication misunderstanding.

"We spoke with Luxemburgo and we understood how difficult the atmosphere was. The conclusion from that meeting was to dismiss the coach."

Luxemburgo is entitled to a €1.3 million compensation as a result of his sacking, but it is believed Flamengo are in talks with the coach in a bid to lower the severance package.

The Brazilian coach had been linked with the exit door at Flamengo in recent weeks as a result of his icy relationship with playmaker Ronaldinho.

Despite the player claiming that he would refuse to play for Flamengo if his overdue wages were not paid, the club decided to stand behind the former Barcelona man.

Flamengo finished fourth in the Brasileirao standings, 10 points off champions Corinthians.