After a lengthy interview process Independiente have confirmed that Ariel Holan will be the man to lead El Rojo into 2017 following Gabriel Milito’s resignation.

Despite a run of poor results, Milito’s decision to walk away caught Independiente’s directors by surprise and after interest in the likes of Eduardo Coudet, Sebastián Méndez and Paolo Montero, for a variety of reason the club have settled on former Defensa y Justicia manager, Ariel Holan.

“We had the meeting today with the leadership of the club and decided that the coach will be Holan. Tomorrow he will be presented at the stadium,” confirmed Pablo Moyano on Radio La Red.

Mañana a las 12 hs en el #LdA , se llevará a cabo la presentación oficial de @arielholan_DT como nuevo DT de #Independiente pic.twitter.com/2OaGAve42h

— C. A. Independiente (@Independiente) December 29, 2016

Holan is said to have impressed the club with his tactical approach and is a self-confessed Independiente supporter. However, not everyone is thrilled with his appointment and Claudio Vivas, who is in charge of the club’s youth sides, has already spoken out against his former colleague.

The two worked together under Matías Almeyda at Banfield and Vivas admitted that their “relationship is not good.

“The club has made a decision and said that it is more important than the individuals. Holan is a person that works very well but I personally found it very difficult to work him so I will meet with Pablo Moyano to see how we continue,” added Vivas.

Initially a hockey coach, Holan eventually made the switch to football in 2003 and began working with Jorge Burruchaga at Arsenal. A growing reputation took him to Estudiantes, Independiente, Banfield and Argentinos Juniors but it was with Almeyda at River Plate that his work really began to get noticed.

An astute coach, who has gained excellent results with young players, Holan got his first managerial role with Defensa y Justicia in 2015. El Halcón impressed and not only were results good but his inexperienced side played attractive, attacking football. The sale of goalscorer Fabián Bordagaray saw things go awry at the start of this year and Holan eventually departed Florencio Varela.

Holan is perhaps not an overwhelming favourite among supporters but is an excellent coach from the available options. The 56-year-old is already preparing for preseason but will be aware that he will be given little time to adjust in Avellaneda.