Fluminense coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo admitted that his team is out of contention to win this year's Campeonato Brasileiro.
The former Real Madrid and Brazil boss lamented the reigning champions' inconsistency following a 1-2 away loss to Sao Paulo Sunday, reports Xinhua.
"The title is difficult. The only thing that we can go for now is a Copa Libertadores place (top four)," Luxemburgo said.
"We still haven't been able to identify what we need to rise from the middle of the table and that's what we have to work on now."
Sunday's result left Fluminense 15th in the standings with just 18 points from 16 matches. Sao Paulo remain in the relegation zone with 14 points from 15 matches.
Luxemburgo said he would continue showing faith in youngsters following the departures of key players such as Wellington Nem and Thiago Neves.
"I can't burn these players. They have what it takes to be a part of the club's future," Luxemburgo said.
"Some of them are very talented, but they aren't ready yet. We have to be calm and let things take their natural course."
Fluminense's next match Wednesday is an away trip to Goias in the second leg of the Copa do Brasil quarter finals. Fluminense won last week's first leg 1-0 at the Maracana.
