RIO DE JANEIRO, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Botafogo sacked Argentine manager Martin Anselmi on Sunday after the club's patchy start to the Brazilian Serie A season.
The decision came despite a 2-1 away win over Bragantino on Saturday, a result that ended a run of four straight league defeats.
"Although we hold Anselmi and his coaching staff in high regard, and have great respect for his dedication and work ethic, we have not seen the development, progress and results we expect," read a statement on Botafogo's official website. "Therefore, the club will move forward on a different path in its sporting project."
Anselmi oversaw seven wins, two draws and nine losses after taking charge in January.
The Rio de Janeiro side is currently 17th in the 20-team Serie A standings and was earlier this month eliminated from the Copa Libertadores by Ecuador's Barcelona SC in the last round of qualifying.
Youth team coach Rodrigo Bellao will take charge of the squad on an interim basis, Botafogo said. ■
