Who are the early favourites to replace Ricardo Ferretti as Cruz Azul head coach?

Cruz Azul are looking for a new head coach following the departure of Ricardo Ferretti. La Máquina have made a less than ideal start to the new season, currently finding themselves bottom of the Liga MX Apertura 2023 standings after losing all three of their opening fixtures. They were also eliminated from the Leagues Cup by MLS side Charlotte FC in the round of 32 having just sneaked through the group stage.

Joaquín Moreno to step in after poor run of form

As things stand, Joaquín Moreno will once again take interim charge of the first team, who have begun preparing for the return to domestic action on 26 August.

Although Ferretti was ultimately ushered out the door fairly rapidly, rumours of him moving on from his post have been circulating since the beginning of the Leagues Cup, with their progression to the knockout rounds prolonging his stay only slightly.

Spanish coaches the frontrunners to take over from Ferretti

ESPN reporter John Sutcliffe revealed that Real Madrid legend Michel is already being considered as a potential replacement by the Cruz Azul board. The Spaniard already has experience of coaching in Mexico having been in charge of Pumas in 2019/20, although he stepped down just before the start of the Apertura 2020 due to personal reasons.

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Michel’s compatriot Paco Jémez is the other leading candidate at this early stage. The 53-year-old is also no stranger to Mexican soccer and indeed Los Cementeros, who he coached between November 2016 and November 2017. Jémez has remained in close contact with the club since his departure and journalist Mac Reséndiz, also of ESPN, reported that he had been considered for the post when Ferretti was ultimately appointed.

Ferretti loses magic touch after Tigres spell

After a hugely successful 11-year spell with Tigres, Ferretti has now lasted less than a year in his last two club positions, first at Juárez and now at Cruz Azul, who he only joined in February.