From Almenara anonymity to Cusco idol, Horacio Melgarejo on South American touchlines | OneFootball

Horacio Melgarejo has swapped quiet strolls in Almenara for hero status in Cusco, his Cienciano side thriving in Peru and the Copa Sudamericana this year.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the Argentine, born 27/05/1973 in Reconquista, settled on Playa de Almenara in 2018 after completing his UEFA Pro in Torrent in 2013. Cusco counts about 480,000 residents, Almenara around 6,800, a contrast he feels every day.

Raised at Newell’s Old Boys, River Plate and Belgrano de Córdoba, he played for Unión de Santa Fe, Independiente Santa Fe, Deportivo Pasto and Brindisi Calcio. From a city that produced friends Gabriel Batistuta and Ángel Comizzo, he kept strong ties to Santa Fe.

After Argentina’s early 2000s crisis he moved to Albacete on Gustavo Siviero’s advice, coaching at Quintanar del Rey and then Albacete Balompié, winning the 2009/10 youth title. He observed Marcelino’s Villarreal in 2013, led Atlético Tomelloso in 2013/14, assisted Siviero at Atlético Baleares and Lleida, then became Atlético Baleares head coach in 2017/18.

Comizzo later took him to Universitario de Deportes as assistant, experiencing the Copa Libertadores behind closed doors. Stints at Deportivo Municipal and Atlético Grau followed, first avoiding relegation, then reaching the Sudamericana.

In June 2025 ADT de Tarma made him a top flight head coach for the first time, a four month spell that exceeded expectations. Cienciano then hired him, in a football mad city with three Primera clubs where most back Cienciano.

Cienciano finished third in the Torneo Apertura, ahead of Universitario and Sporting Cristal. In the Sudamericana they advanced to the knockouts and beat Atlético Mineiro at home, and now face current champions Lanús. He says the aim is to try to eliminate Lanús and push as far as possible, while chasing Libertadores via the Tabla Acumulada.

He praises Villarreal’s model and philosophy, calling them a major club in Spain and Europe, and lauds Castellón’s passionate support. He admires how Villarreal protected academy spending after relegation. Close friend Diego Missi runs El Ceramista at the Estadio de la Cerámica, and while grateful to Peru, Melgarejo would consider coaching in Spain if the chance arrives, though his focus remains on Cienciano.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo