Ricardo Gareca could make a return to Primera management if Racing have their way

Racing Club are back looking for a new manager after Reinaldo ‘Mostaza’ Merlo decided to walk through the exit door before being pushed at the end of the season. With performances hardly improving since Merlo returned it comes as no surprise and now Club President, Victor Blanco is tasked with finding the replacement that can bring success back to Avellaneda. Top of the list appears to be the highly sought after, former Vélez boss, Ricardo Gareca who “fits the profile of the club”.

Following a continuation of the dreadful form that prompted Mostaza Merlo’s return, Victor Blanco informed the 2001 Apertura winning boss that his services would not be required beyond the Torneo Final. With two rounds remaining, Mostaza justifiably decided that he wouldn’t hang around and so Blanco’s search for a replacement has begun.

Fabio Radaelli has been given the interim job but it would appear that Vélez Sarsfield’s previous manager, Ricardo Gareca is their number one target.

Racing’s Deputy Treasurer, Adrian Fernandez has said that “Gareca has the low profile we want for the club. He is a coach of offensive football and he likes to promote the youth.”

Gareca is reportedly open to listen to Racing’s offer but he is also said to be a target for both Newell’s Old Boys and Spanish side, Celta Vigo who may be looking to replace Luis Enrique.

After such a successful time with Vélez, Gareca has an outstanding reputation in Argentina and beyond and while at one time, Racing may have been a huge draw it is difficult to see the appeal at this time.

His expressed desire to move to Europe would seem to put Celta Vigo as his favoured move but even domestically Newell’s would present a more desirable job. Certainly Newell’s play a style of football more in keeping with Gareca’s philosophy and with their commitment to their youth sides, it would be a good match.

Having been out of work since leaving Vélez at the end of the Torneo Inicial it will not be long before Gareca is back in work but this could be an interesting close season for Racing. A new boss, the possible return of Diego Milito and the departure of youngster Rodrigo De Paul and potentially others will see no shortage of news coming from Avellaneda over the coming months.