Victor Blanco arrived at a critical juncture in Racing Club’s leadership, weighing the crossroads between the coach’s departure and the option to renew the contract. His stance was clear: the club’s plan is to keep Fernando Gago on the bench and in the dugout for a further period, with negotiations slated to resume after a period of reflection.
The tenure of Fernando Gago, launched nearly two years ago in mid-October, has been a period of notable fluctuations. The team captured a domestic title that slipped away in an unusual fashion, secured two national cups against Boca Juniors, yet suffered losses in crucial matches, including a setback in the 2022 Professional League Cup against the same rival. The most challenging phase, however, lies in the present moment. After two grueling weeks, Racing Club faced a home defeat in the Libertadores quarterfinals and soon after, a surprising exit from the Copa Argentina in a dramatic confrontation with Huracán.
Despite the ambitious target of clinching the 2023 Professional League Cup, rumors began to swirl in Avellaneda about the DT’s future, suggesting a departure at year’s end or even earlier. There were also persistent whispers that Victor Blanco had an enduring wish, tracing back to 2014, about bringing Marcelo Gallardo to the club, a plan that predates Gago’s arrival at River Plate, and which eventually led to the choice of Diego Cocca in a prior era.
In response to these circulating narratives, Racing Club’s president faced the media with a decisive message. He asserted a clear intent to extend Gago’s contract, which runs through December. He noted he had not been in Buenos Aires the previous week, but stressed that talks would resume. His hope is for Fernando Gago to remain in charge for another year or two, a commitment he articulated on Planeta Racing.
He underscored that Gago’s position is not up for debate and dismissed the so-called “name dance” of potential coaches as fictitious speculation that damages the club. The president emphasized that the club’s focus remains on stability and progress, rather than reacting to conjecture or external chatter that distracts from on-field performance and team cohesion.
As Racing Club navigates this period, the priority remains the same: evaluate the season, solidify leadership, and advance plans that align with the club’s long-term objectives. The decision to extend or adjust staff is framed within the broader aim of returning to consistent competitiveness and restoring momentum after recent setbacks.
[Goal]