BUENOS AIRES, March 17 (Xinhua) -- San Lorenzo has sacked manager Damian Ayude after a poor start to the Argentine top-flight season, the Buenos Aires club said on Tuesday.

The announcement followed a 5-2 home defeat to Defensa y Justicia on Monday, a result that left the club 10th in Group A of the Apertura tournament with three wins from 10 games.

"This morning, Damian Ayude was informed that he is no longer the coach of San Lorenzo," the club said in a statement.

"He was the person who took charge of the squad at a very difficult moment for the institution, helped develop our young players both in the reserve team and the first team and, above all, showed respect and affection for the club at all times."

Ayude led San Lorenzo to 10 wins, 10 draws and nine losses after taking charge in June last year.

Assistant coach Alan Capobianco will take over until a permanent replacement is named, San Lorenzo said. ■