Boca’s controversial option: Riquelme eyes Racing’s last title winner | OneFootball

Boca Juniors’ elimination in the Copa Libertadores group stage deepened the club’s sporting crisis. This continental blow accelerated the end of Claudio Úbeda’s tenure as head coach. Now, the board led by Juan Román Riquelme is working against the clock to find a replacement.

The Xeneize will soon face the Copa Sudamericana playoff in search of a place in the round of 16. In this context of urgency, Gustavo Costas’ name appeared on the radar and caused a strong reaction in the football world.

Costas’ profile and background

The experienced coach most recently managed Racing Club de Avellaneda. His Racing past sparks mixed opinions because of the historic rivalry, but his recent track record supports Boca’s interest. Costas led Racing to the 2024 Copa Sudamericana title and a runner-up finish in the 2025 Torneo Clausura, establishing himself as one of the standout managers in the local game.

This is not the first approach between the two sides. In May 2025, Boca’s board tried to hire him before sealing Miguel Ángel Russo’s return, but Costas turned down the offer at that time.

The factors bringing the coach closer

A key point fueling the rumors is the coach’s personal link to the club. Costas has a close friendship with Marcelo Delgado, a member of Boca’s Football Council, with whom he shared a squad as a player at Racing. This close relationship could help unlock and speed up formal talks.

A strategic transfer window for Riquelme’s management

The choice of the new coaching staff is Boca’s most critical decision of the season. After a year of negative results, the club needs a leader with stature, man-management skills, and international experience to rebuild the squad.

Although Costas meets all the sporting requirements, his ties to Racing divide Boca fans. For now, the Football Council is analyzing options without having made a formal financial offer, knowing that the next head coach will define the club’s political and sporting success.

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