RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept 4 - Mauricio Simoes has
become the fourth coach this year to leave struggling Brazilian
side Santa Cruz, the club said on Monday.
Simoes, who had been in charge for 12 games, quit after
after Sunday's 3-1 home defeat to Sao Paulo left the
Recife-based team bottom of the Brazilian championship with 18
points from 22 games.
"He took the decision to resign and we accepted," said club
president Romerito Jatoba.
Giba, Givanildo and Valdir Espinoza had previously occupied
the hot seat at the newly-promoted club this year.
Thirty-three coaches have resigned or been sacked at
Brazilian first division clubs since the season started in
January.
Seven of the casualties were last month, including Paulo
Cesar Gusmao who was sacked by Cruzeiro and then left Sao
Caetano by mutual consent in the space of two weeks.