From goalscorer to boss: Ismael Blanco led first «Rodillo Rojo» session | OneFootball

Club Técnico Universitario officially began a new chapter in football, with its sights set on turning around its current sporting situation in the LigaPro. Argentine head coach Ismael Blanco took charge of the squad and led his first training session at the Ambato club’s sports complex.

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Following the departure of Colombian manager Bernardo Redín, the board of the “Rodillo Rojo”, led by Alberto Jara, decided to place its trust in the historic former striker. Blanco, fondly remembered for his successful goalscoring spell with Barcelona Sporting Club, now takes on the major challenge of making his absolute debut as a professional head coach in the top tier of Ecuadorian football.

The coaching staff

The new coach will not be alone in the difficult mission of steering the team away from the relegation places. The club officially announced the makeup of the new red-and-white coaching staff, combining tactical youth with deep knowledge of the local scene:

Assistant Coach: Nelson Benítez

Fitness Coach: Rodrigo Cariaga

Goalkeeping Coach: Héctor Lautaro Chiriboga

Chiriboga brings valuable institutional knowledge, while Argentine professionals Benítez and Cariaga complete the working structure chosen by Blanco to give the squad a new physical and footballing identity.

Immediate objectives for “Rodillo” At 43 years old, the “Zorro” Blanco takes over the squad at a highly demanding stage of the season. His initial contract runs until the end of the regular stage, with a renewal clause subject to meeting sporting objectives. The main focus of the incoming coaching staff will be to restore Técnico Universitario’s collective solidity, rebuild the players’ confidence, and put together a run of positive results to secure their place in Serie A once and for all.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.