Xeneize endured a tough defeat at home to Instituto, leaving Ibarra facing a challenging moment ahead of his first Federal matchup.
Back-to-back losses raise concern for any squad, and Boca Juniors is no exception. The slump has drawn serious attention from supporters who fear a negative trend as the club nears a crucial phase. The 3-2 defeat to Instituto in La Bombonera, following an earlier setback to Banfield, has sparked questions about the team’s balance and consistency as they approach a potential turning point in the season.
Even with a scheduled gap in the Professional League this weekend, Boca does not enjoy any real pause. On Saturday evening, starting at 7 p.m., the team travels to the Centenario de Resistencia in Chaco to face Olimpo in the 32nd round of the Argentina Cup. The objective is clear: win the national cup for a fourth time in the club’s history and keep ambitions alive across all competitions.
THE CALLED OF MOUTH
The club’s coaching staff initially planned a rest period after the match with Gloria, expecting to resume training on Tuesday. However, the heavy loss, compounded by vocal displeasure from the fan base, forced a change in schedule. The squad met at Boca Predio in the afternoon for a 10-minute session with Hugo Ibarra, focused on self-critique and a renewed commitment to collective intensity and better attitude.
Although a formal meeting with the Football Council did not take place and there was no immediate talk of dismissing the head coach, a poor result against Aurinegro would carry real implications. The team would tread carefully, especially with the Libertadores campaign looming, which keeps everyone on edge and attentive to every result as the season advances.
Several players are set to miss the upcoming week due to national team duties: Norberto Briasco will join Armenia, Bruno Valdez will represent Paraguay, and Luis Advíncula will play for Peru. Their absence will stretch the squad across the donor match window and require adjustments in the squad planning for the week ahead.
THE FORMATION OF THE MOUTH
With Ibarra’s future appearing uncertain to outside observers, the lineup questions loom even larger given the team’s recent struggle to find consistent form. The coaching staff experimented with different arrangements during the week, but none provided a clear, unshakable plan.
One certainty remains: Javier García is expected to start in goal, a role he has filled reliably in recent national cup campaigns. Valdez will be unavailable, necessitating changes in the central defense pairing. Miguel Merendiel, who impressed with promising involvement after halftime in the last outing, could again push for a starting spot. Beyond these adjustments, several positions remain up for grabs as every training session and tactical review shapes the options ahead of the cup clash.
ALTERNATIVE
Awaiting confirmation.
Attribution: Goal