Sporting Lisbon have sacked manager Paulo Sergio after a string of poor results.
Portuguese giants decide to terminate manager's contract
Sporting Lisbon have sacked manager Paulo Sergio after a string of poor results in charge of the Portuguese giants.
A poor season domestically was compounded in Europe on Thursday, as they threw away the chance to go into the last 16 of the Europa League by conceding a last minute goal to Rangers that ensured the Scottish champions went through on away goals.
That 2-2 draw was the last straw for the club's board, who have seen the team fall completely off the pace in the race for a title they have failed to win since 2002, trailing leaders Porto by 23 points and bitter rivals Benfica by 15.
Having finished fourth last season in the Portuguese league, many were positive that the club could move up to challenge their illustrious rivals.
However poor form has left the club stating they had no choice but to terminate Sergio's contract.
"Sporting have reached agreement with coach Paulo Sergio to terminate his contract," read a club statement.
Imperative
"The board acknowledges the commitment and competence of Paulo Sergio ... but in light of poor results, it was imperative that we do something," said board member Felipe Nobre Guedes.
Sergio, who only joined Sporting in April last year, admitted he was sad to leave the club.
"It is with a sad heart that I leave the club," he said.
"I would have loved Sporting to be champions. That was my ambition when I accepted the job."
Couceiro, a former Porto coach and sports director of Sporting, will take his place in the dugout for the first time in Sunday's league match with Nacional in Madeira.
