The recent elimination of Boca Juniors from the Copa Libertadores at the hands of Alianza Lima has placed Fernando Gago’s future as head coach in serious doubt. According to Argentine media reports, Boca’s leadership, headed by Juan Román Riquelme, has decided that Gago will coach his final match this Friday, February 28, when Boca faces Rosario Central at La Bombonera in Matchday 8 of the Liga Profesional Argentina.

The Key Meeting and Boca’s Decision

After Boca’s loss in Peru, Riquelme and the Football Council held a meeting with Gago, where they reportedly informed him that the match against Rosario Central would be his last in charge of the team. Although the former midfielder expressed his desire to continue and turn the situation around, the board's decision appears to be final.

Out of International Tournaments and Losing Fan Support

The penalty shootout defeat against Alianza Lima left Boca Juniors without international competitions for the rest of the season, except for the Club World Cup. This setback has frustrated both the fans and the club’s leadership, who believe that Gago’s cycle has reached its end.

Beyond the sporting implications, the match against Rosario Central could be an intense atmosphere in La Bombonera, where the fans, already upset after the Libertadores exit, could express their discontent even further.

Following this match, Mariano Herrón, the current reserve team coach, is expected to take over as interim manager while the club looks for a permanent replacement for Fernando Gago.