Gabriel Heinze is poised to be named the new manager of Godoy Cruz after holding talks with the Mendocino club earlier this week. The 37-year-old retired from playing last year after ending his career where it began, with Newell’s Old Boys and now El Gringo looks set to begin the next stage of his football career.

President of Godoy Cruz, José Manzur told reporters: “If all goes well, Gabriel Heinze will be the next coach. It is a gamble as it will be his first job coaching.” These discussions have now taken place in Mendoza and although there has been official statement as of yet it is now being reported that a deal has been agreed and Heinze will be unveiled on Thursday.

Heinze enjoyed a hugely successful career and worked with some of the greatest managers in world football as he travelled around Europe. Claiming league titles in England, Spain, France and Argentina as well as Olympic gold with Argentina, Heinze can only dream that his coaching career is a fraction as successful.

After retiring from Newell’s it is understood that Marcelo Bielsa offered Heinze a role on his staff at Marseille, another of his former clubs, but the 37-year-old held out for the opportunity to make his own way. Godoy Cruz now appear to have given him just that and Heinze must now try and revive a club who are struggling of late. La Tomba certainly have not had much stability in the past few years and have seen managers come and go. The hope will be that Heinze will give them that and at least help and shore up a defence which has been amongst the worst in the Primera over the past year.