CALLED WITH THE MOUTH
A few days after a visit to Guapo and with Copa Libertadores underway, Boca Juniors found itself without a head coach and needed a victory under an interim. The club could not enjoy a breather during the FIFA date, and aside from a narrow Argentine Cup win against Olimpo, the real shake came on Tuesday the 28th when, after a brief meeting, the football council informed Hugo Ibarra that he would no longer lead the team following two league defeats and a demoralizing moment inside the locker room from a tactical standpoint.
With that backdrop, Boca traveled to Barracas Central for a Saturday clash at 3:30 pm at the Chiqui Tapia Stadium. The game also served as a prelude to their Copa Libertadores debut, scheduled for Thursday in Venezuela against Monagas.
CALLED WITH THE MOUTH
After the announcement of Ibarra’s departure and the exit of his coaching staff, which included Tito Pompei and Tano Gracián, the Council confirmed through Chicho Serna that the squad would be led by interim manager Mariano Herrón as the search for a permanent replacement continued. The club’s leadership kept a clear eye on Tata Martino as a potential option, keeping the long view in mind while the interim period unfolded.
On the field, the squad was set to await the return of players who had appeared in the latest friendly against Peru, including Bruno Valdez, Norberto Briasco, and especially Luis Advínula, who left the pitch with a knock. Advínula’s health status was watched closely as the team prepared for the league matches and the Libertadores schedule. The good news for the interim coach was that veteran midfielder Juan Cruz Komar, nicknamed the Monkey, could be reinstated after knee surgery, bringing depth to the back line and midfield readiness.
THE FORMATION OF THE MOUTH
With Ibarra no longer at the helm, the team’s tactical plan entered a new phase as Herrón prepared for discussions with the group. Several players had been tipped for controversial form, prompting the coaching staff to lean on youth prospects to bolster the squad for an important stretch. Even in the early moments, it seemed the club would lean on a blend of experienced heads and promising youngsters to navigate the immediate fixtures while keeping an eye on the Libertadores path.
The interim setup promised a reboot that would prioritize collective responsibility on defense and a more direct attack. The coaching staff weighed several lineup possibilities, recognizing that the match against Barracas Central would not only test the players’ readiness but also establish a tone for the weeks ahead as the Libertadores campaign loomed large. The approach focused on survival, clarity, and renewed cohesion on the pitch as the season’s latter stages began to take shape.
ALTERNATIVE
To confirm.
Source: Goal [Goal]