Almada, Almeyda, Milito, or Paiva: Who will be Cruz Azul's new coach?

Cruz Azul has already made it clear that Vicente Sánchez will not continue as coach after the end of the Concacaf Champions Cup , regardless of the result in the Final against Vancouver Whitecaps on June 1.

Although the Uruguayan will remain on the bench until that match, the Celeste board is already actively working on finding his replacement, and has put three names on the table at the top of the list of candidates: Guillermo Almada, Matías Almeyda, and Gabriel Milito .

The name that has gained the most traction at La Noria is that of Uruguayan Guillermo Almada , current coach of Pachuca , who has been a constant desire of the club for several tournaments.

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The possibility of his arrival seems more real than ever, as the Uruguayan coach has expressed his intention to leave the Hidalgo team once the Club World Cup is over.

The biggest obstacle is his current contract with the Tuzos , which would force Cruz Azul to pay the amount of his termination clause if they want to sign him immediately.

Another profile that appeals to the cement management is Matías Almeyda , who recently became a free agent after finishing his time at AEK Athens.

The Argentine enjoys good prestige in Liga MX after his successful time at Chivas , where he was champion of the League and Concacaf .

In addition to his knowledge of Mexican soccer, Almeyda is valued for his ability to generate a positive atmosphere in the locker room and for the striking style he typically brings to his teams.

His immediate availability and the fact that he wouldn't have to negotiate with any club make him an extremely attractive option.

Gabriel Milito is the third strong name on Cruz Azul's agenda. Although his coaching career is more discreet compared to the other two, Cruz Azul likes his style of play, which bears similarities to that of Martín Anselmi, the former manager.

This tactical affinity could facilitate the transition in the team's football style, something the board considers essential to maintaining the identity they have tried to build in recent tournaments.

In addition to these three priority profiles, there are other names that have been considered, although for now they are starting from a more backward position.

Renato Paiva , who currently manages Botafogo in Brazil , and Diego Alonso, former coach of Sevilla and cousin of sporting director Iván Alonso , are also on the radar, although their arrival seems more complex or less convincing for the sky-blue high command.

Vicente Sánchez 's future, for his part, is already decided.

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Although he was responsible for leading the team to the Concacaf Final , the board is not satisfied with his working methods, considers his training system outdated, and criticizes his lack of use of the performance software purchased by the club.

Added to this is the bitter taste left by the elimination against América and the feeling that the positive results are due more to the inertia left by Anselmi than to the actual contribution of the current coaching staff.

Sánchez 's departure is only a matter of time, and Cruz Azul is already finalizing details so that one of the three strong names takes control of La Máquina in the 2025 Apertura .

With information from ESPN

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