MLS outfit Portland Timbers have parted company with head coach Giovanni Savarese after over five and a half years in charge. 

The 52-year-old Venezuelan has been relieved of his duties following the Timbers’ 5-0 MLS defeat to the hands of Houston Dynamo on Sunday. According to a club statement, assistant coach Miles Joseph will now take over the club on an interim basis until the end of the season.

📰 | The Portland Timbers have parted ways with Head Coach Gio Savarese.

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— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) August 22, 2023

Giovanni Savarese sacked by Portland Timbers

Savarese was appointed ahead of the 2018 MLS season and led the club to the MLS Cup final twice in 2018 and 2021. The former New York Cosmos manager also won the MLS is Back Tournament at the Timbers during the Covid-affected 2020 season.

In a statement, Timbers owner Merritt Paulson said, “Gio has been an exceptional coach for the Timbers and a joy to work with. I want to thank Gio for all that he has given us. He will be missed.”

Adding to the sentiments, Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy stated, “We are incredibly grateful for the commitment that Gio has given to the Portland Timbers over the last six seasons, and it has been an honor to have had the chance to work with him”.

The Timbers currently sit 12th in the MLS Western Conference, five points outside the playoff places.