体坛英语新闻：Chapecoense sack coach Kleina

RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chapecoense have sacked coach Gilson Kleina following a poor run of results, the Brazilian club said on Monday.

Football director Rui Costa was also dismissed a day after a 1-1 draw at Sport Recife, a result that left the club 16th in the 20-team Brazilian Serie A standings.

"[We] thank them for their dedication to the club and wish them success in their future projects," Chapecoense said in a brief statement.

The announcement means Chapeceonse are now searching for their fifth coach since a November 2016 plane crash that killed 22 of their players and all of the coaching staff.

Kleina took charge in October last year with the club in danger of relegation from Brazil's top flight. Under his stewardship, Chapecoense were unbeaten in their next 10 matches as they secured a qualifying berth for this year's Copa Libertadores - South America's top club competition.

Youth team manager Emerson Cris is expected to assume the coaching role on an interim basis, starting with a home Serie A clash against Corinthians on Sunday.