The latest Torneo Transición is now a month old and as ever Argentine football has not disappointed in terms of it’s unpredictability. The preseason thinking that the traditional ‘Big Five’ would once more dominate has been far from the case, at least for now, and aside from creating some surprises near the top of Zones One and Two, it has produced the year’s first major managerial casualty.

After the seemingly endless summer of nonsensical friendlies when February brings the start of the competitive football season (even one as ludicrous as this Torneo Transición) it is welcomed by all followers of Argentine football. Aside from the Primera season starting, the Supercopa was also scheduled and San Lorenzo’s convincing rout of Boca Juniors to lift the trophy not only confirmed the notion that Pablo Guede’s Cuervos were going to he a hell of a lot more fun than Edgardo Bauza’s but also gave an early indication that Arruabarrena might not be afforded too long at Boca despite completing a league and cup double in 2015.

Huracán and Racing confirmed their places in the Copa Libertadores group stage to make it a maximum number of six Argentine clubs. La Academia were comfortable winners of Puebla while El Globo required an injury time away goal to progress past Caracas. Their celebrations were cut short when their bus crashed on the way to the airport however and with several key players injured, Huracán had a less congested schedule than expected after the AFA agreed to postpone three of their Primera fixtures.

With so many of the big sides struggling for form, Rosario Central have perhaps been the only side to have matched expectation and Eduardo Coudet’s side have laid down an early marker as the team to beat this season. Boca Juniors’ results have not been as bad as some of the other grandes but the biggest story of the month dropped on the final day when defeat to Racing proved to be the final straw for Rodolfo Arruabarrena. Guillermo Barros Schelotto will take over at La Bombonera and after a difficult February, Mellizo must make an immediate impact in March.

Elsewhere, Gerardo Martino travelled to New York to discover who Argentina would be facing in this year’s Copa América. An opener against Chile provides an early opportunity for revenge and with Panama and Bolivia completing the group, La Albiceleste shouldn’t have too many concerns with progressing.

So, that was a brief look at February and now, as ever, Golazo selects the best manager, player and goal of the month and for the first time creates a team of the month….

Manager of the Month

With a number of clubs making far better starts than expected there are a few candidates for the first manger of the month of 2016 but none have punched above their weight more than Juan Manuel Azconzábal’s Atlético Tucumán. When the AFA handed a newly promoted side, an opening couple of fixtures such as Racing and Boca, few would have given them much hope of taking any points. However, a deserved 2-1 win over La Academia was followed up by a remarkable victory in La Bombonera and after five matches, only Lanús have found a way past El Decano. Only two goals conceded in five matches, is currently the best defensive record in the top flight and much of the credit for the organisation and structure of the side goes to the 41-year-old former defender. If his side remain as difficult to beat throughout the season, relegation should pose no threat.

Team of the Month

Player of the Month

There have been few recent signings that have had more of an immediate impact than José Sand’s return to Lanús this summer. The well-travelled 35-year-old came back to La Forteleza after leaving in 2009, proving to be an instant success and a key factor behind El Granate’s fine start to 2016. A focal point for the attack, Sand provides the cutting edge that was lacking in 2015 and whether it’s from crosses out wide or simply being alert inside the penalty area, Pepe has an instinct for goal that no one else in the squad has. Five goals in as many games, Sand is an early leader in the goal scoring charts and with how Jorge Almirón has the team set up, the centre forward is a decent bet for more.

Goal of the Month

As much as I would like to edit together a goal of the month video, Youtube often delete them so I won’t bother. Instead, here are SEVEN to choose from….

A) Óscar Romero – RACING v San Martín

B) Hernán Toledo – VÉLEZ v Argentinos Juniors

C) Alan Ruiz – COLÓN v Belgrano

D) Nicolás Blandi – SAN LORENZO v Vélez

E) Lisandro López –  Independiente v RACING

F) Giovani Lo Celso – ROSARIO CENTRAL v Colón

G) Marco Ruben – ROSARIO CENTRAL v Colón