Manager Graham Arnold has left Vegalta Sendai by "mutual consent" on Wednesday, becoming the J. League's first coaching casualty of the season.
Assistant Susumu Watanabe has replaced former Australia coach Arnold, whose side was winless in eight league and league cup games combined in the World Cup year.
"Yesterday, we spoke at length with coach Arnold," team president Yoichi Shirahata said. "I told him about the reaction from our supporters and stakeholders, as well as the potential consequences of our record so far.
"And the manager relayed to the club and its management his displeasure, and made demands he felt that were needed to turn the team around.
"In the end, to change the current situation of the team, we felt a form of shock treatment was necessary, that small adjustments would not be enough."
"We fully know there are risks involved whether we retained him or replaced him, but we chose the latter and asked coach Arnold to leave the club."
According to a report by Special Broadcasting Service, Arnold requested a meeting with Shirahata after Vegalta lost 4-0 away to Urawa Reds on Sunday.
Arnold had taken over for Makoto Teguramori, who left Sendai after six seasons for Japan's Olympic job.
