Struggling Omiya Ardija announced Tuesday they have fired manager Jun Suzuki.
The 50-year-old Suzuki's dismissal comes just days after the Squirrels were condemned to a 4-0 defeat at Jubilo Iwata, their heaviest defeat of the J. League season, leaving them hovering just above the relegation zone with 15 points from 13 games. Suzuki's assistant, Tomoyuki Ishii, is also on his way out of the club.
Omiya general manager Takeyuki Okamoto will step in as caretaker until a permanent replacement is found.
Suzuki took over as manager in April 2010 and the club finished in 12th place in the table that season. Last year, Ardija placed 13th.
"I couldn't respond to expectations and it really is a great shame that I am leaving the team," Suzuki said in a club statement.