Fluminense fires Luis Zubeldía after draw in Libertadores
Argentinian coach leaves after a run of below‑expected results
On the morning of August 13, 2026, Fluminense confirmed the departure of Argentine coach Luis Zubeldía. The decision came right after the goalless draw with Independiente Rivadavia, the first leg of the Libertadores round of 16, and after a run of results that did not meet the club's goals.
Luis Zubeldía's dismissal at Fluminense
The club announced that Zubeldía, hired in September 2025, leaves the position together with assistants Maxi Cuberas, Carlos Gruezo, Alejandro Escobar and fitness coach Lucas Vivas. In the official statement, Fluminense thanked the professionals' dedication and wished them success in their future careers. Marcão, the permanent assistant coach, will take over the technical staff for the immediate matches.
Zubeldía's performance before departure
During his tenure, Zubeldía oversaw 61 games, achieving 30 wins, 18 draws and 13 losses, which corresponds to a points efficiency of 59%. In 2025 he led the team to fifth place in the Brasileirão and to the Copa do Brasil semi‑final, where they were eliminated by Vasco. In 2026, the Tricolor finished as runner‑up in the Carioca, advanced in second place in Group C of the Libertadores and sat in fourth position in the Brazilian Championship.
Players' reaction: the Riquelme case
Forward Riquelme Felipe, who joined the professional squad in 2024, posted a public comment on Fluminense's official Instagram post thanking Zubeldía's departure. The comment remained visible for a few minutes before being deleted. Under Zubeldía's management, Riquelme saw his playing time reduced, being overlooked in favor of players such as Serna and Soteldo, and eventually returned to the under‑20 team before receiving limited opportunities in the 2026 Carioca Championship.
Flu's upcoming challenges without a coach
With Zubeldía's exit, Fluminense aims to appoint a new technical direction before the second leg of the Libertadores round of 16, scheduled for August 18 in Mendoza, Argentina. Meanwhile, Marcão will lead the team against Palmeiras next Saturday, August 15, at the Maracanã, for the Brazilian Championship.
Who takes temporary charge
Marcão, the permanent assistant coach, assumes responsibility for leading the squad in the first two matches without a head coach: the clash against Palmeiras and the Libertadores second leg. The club's board stated that the appointment of a new coach will be made “by the next Libertadores match”.
With information from GE, CNN Brazil, Folha de S.Paulo.
Source: GE, CNN Brasil, Folha de S.Paulo