LIGA MX
Who are the main candidates to take over as Cruz Azul head coach?
After Raúl Gutiérrez was sacked as Cruz Azul boss, there appear to be three major candidates to replace him in La Máquina’s dugout.
After four straight defeats in the Clausura 2023 tournament, winless Cruz Azul sit second bottom of the regular-season standings - and are now looking for a new head coach, after firing Raúl ‘El Potro’ Gutiérrez on Monday.
The Cruz Azul contenders
Several names have been linked with the job, but all the indications are that three men are the favourites to take over from Gutiérrez.
Antonio Mohamed
AS México understands that Antonio Mohamed is open to an offer from Cruz Azul, who are interested in handing the reins to the Argentine. This is not the first time that Mohamed has been on the nine-time Mexican champions’ radar. In 2019, the club approached the 52-year-old but ultimately did not reach an agreement. Mohamed has not coached in the Liga MX since leaving Monterrey in 2020.
José Manuel de la Torre
According to TUDN, the former Mexico boss is in pole position to take charge at Cruz Azul. The experienced coach is reportedly already in Mexico City to start talks with La Máquina chiefs. The 57-year-old’s last club in the Liga MX was Toluca in 2020.
Ricardo Ferretti
Ricardo Ferretti is also an option that’s to Cruz Azul’s liking, TUDN says. The Brazilian’s extensive experience of Mexican football, and the success he has had in the country, make him an attractive proposition. However, the 68-year-old’s salary demands may prove a stumbling block.