Roth calls time on Gremio tenure

Gremio coach Celso Roth has confirmed Sunday’s clasico against Internacional will be his final game at the helm of the Brazilian club.

Roth took charge midway through the 2011 Brazilian Serie A season after Renato Gaucho’s departure, but has presided over a mediocre campaign.

Under his command the club won 10 games, lost 10 and drew four, and with only one match remaining can finish no higher than 12th place.

The coach told reporters on Tuesday that he was bringing an end to his fourth spell with the club and would not sign a new contract to stay into the coming year.

“I want to announce to you all that I will honour my contract until December 31. I will not continue,” Roth said.

“It is my decision taken in conjunction with the Gremio board, we believe it is best to confirm it now in order to focus on Gre-Nal.”

“I am not leaving Gremio and I am not being sacked. I am seeing out my contract and not renewing, by common agreement.”

Caio Junior has emerged as an early favourite to take over in 2012, according to Globoesporte.

The 46-year-old began his football career in Gremio and is available having been sacked from Botafogo in November after a poor run of results.