Fluminense dismisses coach Luis Zubeldía after eight-game winless streak

Fluminense announced the dismissal of coach Luis Zubeldía on Thursday morning, ending his tenure following an eight-game winless run that drew mounting criticism from supporters and on social media.

The club confirmed the decision through an official statement released on its social media channels. Zubeldía's departure comes two days after a goalless draw against Independiente Rivadavia in the first leg of a Copa Libertadores round-of-16 tie on Tuesday at the Maracanã stadium.

Alongside Zubeldía, the club confirmed that assistants Maxi Cuberas, Carlos Gruezo and Alejandro Escobar, as well as fitness coach Lucas Vivas, have also left the organization. In its statement, Fluminense said it "thanks the professionals for all their dedication throughout their work and wishes them success in the continuation of their careers."

Permanent assistant coach Marcão will take charge of the team for upcoming matches, beginning with Saturday's Campeonato Brasileiro fixture against Palmeiras at the Maracanã. The club also faces the return leg of its Copa Libertadores round-of-16 tie against Independiente Rivadavia.

Fluminense's winless streak extended back to May 27, when the team last defeated Deportivo La Guaira before the Copa do Mundo break. The poor run of results intensified after the club's elimination from the Copa do Brasil at the hands of Vasco da Gama on August 5.

During Tuesday's match against Independiente Rivadavia, supporters voiced their frustration with the coaching staff, directing chants of "shameless team" at Zubeldía as the final whistle approached. The mounting dissatisfaction reflected broader concerns about the team's performance throughout the recent period.