Boca Juniors sack coach Gago ahead of Club World Cup

Argentina side Boca Juniors sacked coach Fernando Gago on Tuesday following the weekend defeat to archrivals River Plate.

"We've come to a decision that Fernando Gago has reached the end of the road," said the Buenos Aires-based club's director Mauricio Serna.

"It's a decision we made calmly but it wasn't easy," added the former Boca and Colombian midfielder.

Gago, who began his playing career at Boca, was only appointed last October.

The 39-year-old's record in charge stands at 17 wins, six draws and seven defeats, the last on Sunday to River Plate proving the final straw.

Gago's job was already on the line after February's Copa Libertadores second round exit.

Given Gago's strong ties with Boca, Serna conceded: "It wasn't easy, he's one of us but that's what we are here for, to make decisions".

Gago's departure means Boca will have a new coach when they leave for the United States in June to compete in the Club World Cup.