Roma sack Zdenek Zeman

Feb 2, 2013 4:42:00 PM

The Giallorossi have decided to part company with the 65-year-old after an emergency meeting of directors on Saturday morning, following Friday's shock defeat to Cagliari

Roma have sacked coach Zdenek Zeman following Friday evening's 4-2 defeat at home to Cagliari.

The 65-year-old has been under increasing pressure of late, with inconsistent results and a series of controversial coaching decisions leaving his position with the capital club a precarious one.

Following Friday's shock home defeat, and the supporter protests which followed outside the stadium, an emergency meeting of Giallorossi directors was called, with Franco Baldini, Walter Sabatini and Italo Zanzi all present to discuss Zeman's future.

The club have now confirmed that they have parted company with the Prague-born trainer, with Aurelio Andreazzoli placed temporarily in charge of first-team affairs.

A statement on the club's official website read: "AS Roma SpA wishes to announce that Mr Zdenek Zeman has been relieved of his duties as first-team coach. The club thanks Mr Zeman and his collaborators for the professionalism and dedication shown in carrying out the job.

"Mr Aurelio Andreazzoli has been temporarily placed in charge of the team."

Reports in the Italian media suggested that Laurent Blanc was one of the early favourites to replace Zeman, although it is claimed in some quarters he has turned down the chance as he would prefer to wait for an opportunity to coach in the Premier League.

Zeman insisted on Friday night that he would not step down from his post despite his side's problems on the pitch, though he did concede the final decision on his future was out of his hands.

Roma are currently in eighth position in Serie A, nine points adrift of the Champions League places.