Bastidores: Internal pressure forces Pedrinho to relent as Diniz surprised by Vasco sacking | OneFootball

Vasco sacked Fernando Diniz on Sunday night after losing to Fluminense in the Carioca semi-finals at Estádio Nilton Santos. President Pedrinho announced it and Diniz was caught by surprise.

According to Globo.com, the club line before the clássico was that Diniz still had backing, with Pedrinho and director of football Admar Lopes urging patience despite flaws.

Pressure from figures around the board and club councillors grew daily. A faction had pushed for dismissal for weeks, citing poor results, three wins in 11 in 2026, and especially weak performances.

Against Fluminense, Vasco created little despite a man advantage for more than 30 minutes. Much of the hierarchy deemed the job untenable and Pedrinho relented.

The decision was delivered in the dressing room within minutes in a conversation between Pedrinho, Admar Lopes and Diniz. The president argued the work was not evolving.

That night, club chiefs and the football department met to define profiles and names for a successor, with no deadline but a desire to move quickly.

Despite a Copa do Brasil runners-up finish, Diniz began 2026 with full backing, which Admar stressed in January. Early setbacks did not initially shift that stance, with calls for more time and training.

The stands turned, with boos and “burro” chants at São Januário and again after the derby.

Pressure had built late in 2025 after seven defeats in the final eight league rounds, although the cup run prolonged his stay. Until a replacement is appointed, permanent assistant Bruno Lazaroni will lead the side, and Vasco face Santos in the Brasileirão on Thursday.

Source: Globo.com