Francisco Palencia is emerging as the frontrunner to replace Raúl Gutiérrez should Cruz Azul open a coaching spot on the bench.
Raúl Gutiérrez, nicknamed Potro, faced a challenging start in his first campaign with Blue Cross. The Apertura 2022 saw him act as a transitional coach, guiding the team to 16 points from 24 and reaching the quarterfinals.
In Closure 2023 the results have been tougher, with only one point secured from twelve on offer. If the club cannot turn the tide, his tenure could face scrutiny after Matchday 6, especially if wins remain elusive.
With uncertainty mounting, the pool of possible successors grows. Juan Francisco Palencia, a familiar name at Cruz Azul who currently does not hold a coaching role, has surfaced as a credible option to take charge.
Goal reports that Palencia is being evaluated for the post, given his long association with the club and the absence of a current coaching position.
WHO IS FRANCISCO PALENCIA?
During his days as a player, Palencia operated as a midfielder or a forward. He developed through Cruz Azul’s youth system before breaking into the first team, where he displayed solid football skills.
His career took him abroad to Spain in 2001 to join Espanyol and later returned to Mexico in 2003 with Chivas, where he stayed until 2005 before attempting MLS with Chivas USA. He came back to Mexico in 2007 to join Pumas, finishing his playing days in 2011 with the same club. He wore the national team jersey from 1996 to 2009 and earned invitations to two FIFA World Cup tournaments.
As a coach, Palencia has led Sant Cugat in Spain, followed by roles with Pumas, Lobos BUAP and Mazatlán. While his tenure with Mazatlán did not produce a lasting breakthrough, his varied experiences across leagues keep him in the conversation for another chance, potentially with Cruz Azul.
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