Boca Juniors fires coach Fernando Gago after Superclásico loss

Boca Juniors have dismissed head coach Fernando Gago following a 2-1 defeat to arch-rivals River Plate in the Argentine Superclásico, a decision confirmed by club leaders including Mauricio Serna. Gago, who took over the team in October 2024 after leaving Chivas, managed 30 games, achieving 17 wins, but suffered an early and historic Copa Libertadores exit to Alianza Lima, which contributed to mounting pressure. While respected as a former player and initially able to steady the club, the combination of the Libertadores elimination and the recent loss to River Plate ultimately sealed his fate. Serna emphasized the difficulty of the decision given Gago's status as a club man, but stated it was necessary for the club's future direction. Assistant coach Mariano Herrón has been named interim manager as Boca, currently leading the league, seeks a permanent replacement. Gago is the third Boca manager in succession to depart without winning a trophy.