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RIO DE JANEIRO -- Brazilian club Fluminense says it has fired coach Cristovao because of the team's poor performances in the Rio de Janeiro state championship. Monday's announcement came two days after Fluminense's 1-1 draw with minnow Tigres at the Maracana Stadium. The traditional Rio de Janeiro club had already lost to another smaller club, Macae, in the previous round in the state tournament. Fluminense is only fifth in the 16-team competition, outside the top four which will advance to the semifinal round and well short of expectations for one of Rio's "Big 4" clubs, which include Flamengo, Vasco da Gama and Botafogo. Cristovao was hired by Fluminense early in 2014 and coached the team in 58 matches, winning 28, drawing 11 and losing 19. He was jeered by fans after Saturday's home loss at the Maracana. His replacement had not yet been announced, but reports said the four-time Brazilian champion was close to signing former Vitoria coach Ricardo Drubscky. Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
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