Hernán Crespo set to take over Atlas after a long and chaotic coaching search
The Argentine ex-player is tipped to take the reins. After Diego Cocca’s departure the club has worked round the clock to find a new coach.
Atlas de Guadalajara appears to have finally ended what felt like an endless hunt for a new head coach. After Diego Cocca’s departure and days of swirling rumors — including talk of Spanish manager Martí Cifuentes — the club has chosen a familiar name on the global stage: Hernán Crespo. The Argentine legend is expected to be officially announced within hours, marking his first venture into Liga MX.
Crespo beats Mascherano for the job
In the end, Atlas went with Crespo, who edged out fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano. Mascherano’s name surfaced as a possible option, but there was never any confirmed contact between the two sides.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported early Thursday that Atlas and Crespo reached a full agreement, with only the club’s official announcement and presentation pending. The deal is set for two years, keeping Crespo under contract through 2028, with hopes that both sides can build a long‑term project starting in the Apertura 2026.
🚨🇲🇽 Hernán Crespo to sign for Atlas, deal done and here we go! Contract until 2028, announcement soon.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 16, 2026
Crespo won already 6 titles as manager and takes on a very ambitious project that is being heavily backed at all levels. pic.twitter.com/XzAovVoqLk
How Crespo arrives at Atlas
Crespo comes to Liga MX after a globe‑trotting coaching career. His most recent job was with São Paulo, but his résumé includes stops at:
- Al‑Ain
- Al‑Duhail
- Defensa y Justicia
- Banfield
And he hasn’t just collected passport stamps — he’s collected trophies.
Crespo’s biggest achievements
Among his standout accomplishments:
- Copa Sudamericana with Defensa y Justicia
- AFC Champions League title with Al‑Ain
- Campeonato Paulista with São Paulo
Crespo arrives in Guadalajara with experience, silverware, and a reputation for elevating clubs across continents. Now, Atlas hopes he can do the same in Liga MX.
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