Summary Players and club directors said they were "caught by surprise" with Menezes' decision.
SAO PAULO (AP) - Former Brazil coach Mano Menezes has resigned from Flamengo less than four months after joining the popular Brazilian club, saying he was not able to get the players to follow his methods.
Menezes surprise announcement came after Flamengo relinquished a two-goal lead in a 4-2 loss to Atletico Paranaense at the Maracana Stadium late Wednesday.
The coach said players were not doing what he asked so he decided to leave to allow "Flamengo to go in another direction."
Players and club directors said they were "caught by surprise" with Menezes decision.
Wednesday s loss at home left Flamengo in 15th place in the 20-team Brazilian league, just outside relegation zone.
