Paulo Bento has parted company with Chinese Super League side Chongqing Lifan, with the club announcing the former Portugal coach's departure on Sunday.
Bento's final game in charge was a win over Tianjin Teda on Saturday as Chongqing arrested a run of six straight defeats since May which also saw the club exit the Chinese FA Cup.
But Saturday's victory was not enough to save the Portuguese coach, who will be replaced on an interim basis by Hao Haitao.
"From today, Paulo Bento is no longer the coach of Chongqing Lifan," the club said in a statement. "We thank him for his contribution and wish him all the best for the future."
Speculation over Bento's position at the club had been circulating since the Chinese Super League resumed following a two-month break for the World Cup finals and he was asked about his future with the club after Saturday's game.
"Someone asked me a similar question yesterday, but I slept very well last night," he said at the post-match news conference.
"During the preparation for this game, I didn't have a second to think about it. I think you [the media] know more than me, and I don't know if this is the idea and decision of the club.
"Of course, the job of a professional coach is inherently cruel and you have to be ready for all situations."
