Gus Poyet has resigned as head coach of Shanghai Shenhua after the club suffered a fourth straight defeat in the Chinese Super League (CSL) on Sunday evening at the hands of Henan Jianye.
The 2-1 loss saw Shenhua slip to 12th in the standings and prompted the Uruguayan to tender his resignation to the club after a difficult season in charge in Shanghai.
"Mr. Poyet formally offered his resignation to Shanghai Shenhua today," the club said in a statement.
"After considering the decision, the club has agreed to accept Mr Poyet's resignation. From today, Mr Poyet will no longer be head coach of the club."
Poyet was appointed in late November last year after the sacking of Gregorio Manzano and he was tasked with building of the Spaniard's third place finish in last season's Chinese Super League.
But a defeat in the AFC Champions League playoffs to Brisbane Roar saw the campaign begin in disappointing fashion before a run of inconsistent form throughout the season saw Shenhua struggle.
Poyet's tenure was dogged by injuries, suspensions and constant speculation over the future of Carlos Tevez, the club's high-profile signing ahead of the new season.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea midfielder had been plotting success in the Chinese FA Cup, with Shenhua leading 1-0 after the first leg of the semifinals against second division side Shanghai Shenxin.
"I think we have a chance because everybody knows how important it is," he told ESPN FC recently.
"It's not about pressure, it's about accepting that we need to finish the season very well."