Ex-Real Madrid coach urged to stay at Gremio

Players and fans of Brazil's Gremio have pleaded with former Real Madrid and Brazil coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo to remain at the club next season. The Porto Alegre side moved to second in the top-flight standings on Sunday and guaranteed its place in South America's prestigious Copa Libertadores tournament in 2013 with a 2-1 victory over Sao Paulo. Luxemburgo, who joined Gremio in February following the club's disappointing 12th-placing last season, has refused to discuss his future with Brazil's media in recent weeks. During Sunday's match at Gremio's Estadio Olimpico, fans chanted Luxemburgo's name while former Wigan striker Marcelo Moreno and midfielder Marco Antonio also urged the 60-year-old to stay. "Everyone is wants him to continue," Moreno said after game. "He has changed the face of Gremio with his winning ways. We have to do everything we can to keep him because with him around we are a chance to win the title." Antonio revealed the players had told Luxemburgo personally of their desire for him to remain in 2013. "The coach knows what we think," he said. "Several of us have spoken to him and personally I really hope he stays."