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- Román says goodbye: Gago Steps Down as Boca Coach After Defeat to River
Román says goodbye: Gago Steps Down as Boca Coach After Defeat to River
Boca Juniors made a bold decision after the Superclásico: Fernando Gago was dismissed as head coach, and several potential replacements are already being discussed.
Chicho Serna Confirms Fernando Gago’s Departure
The world of Boca Juniors is once again facing a storm. This morning, Fernando "Pintita" Gago was removed from his position as head coach by a decision of the Board of Directors, with the Football Council delivering the news.
Chicho Serna, former Boca player and current member of the Football Council, made the announcement publicly:
"We have made a decision: Fernando Gago and his staff’s time with the institution has come to an end. We made it with complete calm. It wasn’t easy because he’s one of our own. But that's why we’re here, to make decisions."
The decision came just two days after the Superclásico defeat against River Plate, a 2-1 loss at the Monumental. Although training at Casa Amarilla was expected to resume normally after the "Monday off" — a decision that angered many fans — Gago was informed in person that he would not continue.
According to Serna, the process was finalized late Monday night and handled amicably:
"We are very grateful for his dedication and the work he put in. There were certainly situations that led us to make a final decision, but the gratitude remains."

Mariano Herrón Takes Over as Interim Coach
While the board works to define the permanent successor, Mariano Herrón will step in as interim head coach. Boca is at a critical juncture: they are the outright leaders of the LPF and have the Club World Cup in the United States coming up in June and July.
Several names have already started circulating among fans: some call for club legends like Martín Palermo or the return of Guillermo Barros Schelotto, while others favor more recent figures like Kily González.

External candidates like Gabriel Heinze, Chacho Coudet, and Gabriel Milito have also been mentioned, though some supporters are skeptical, arguing they lack the history and connection with the club. Meanwhile, others hope for a more experienced profile like Gerardo "Tata" Martino, who had previously turned down an offer.
However, a strong candidate is gaining traction within Boca: Gustavo Quinteros, former Vélez Sarsfield coach, currently without a club and reportedly favored by Juan Román Riquelme.
The big question remains:
Will Boca finalize his signing before the upcoming match against Tigre?
