'Nicolás [Larcamón] embodies those qualities' - Cruz Azul president confirms former Necaxa manager will join the club

Cruz Azul are set to make the arrival of Nicolás Larcamón official in the coming hours, confirmed club president Víctor Velázquez. The Argentine manager joins La Máquina following a short tenure with Club Necaxa and will take over from interim coach Vicente Sánchez—who, despite leading the club to the CONCACAF Champions Cup title, will not continue at the helm.

Sánchez’s exit, though surprising given the recent trophy, was part of a larger strategic vision. Velázquez explained that Larcamón fits the long-term profile the club has been searching for.

“We had several interviews with Nicolás, analyzed his methodology, and presented our project. From the outset, we envisioned a team that plays proactive football, applies pressure high up the pitch, and embraces a modern style that excites fans. Nicolás embodies those qualities and aligns with the type of players we have,” said Velázquez.

Regarding Sánchez’s departure, Velázquez was clear there is no animosity. On the contrary, he praised the Uruguayan’s professionalism and reiterated that he could return to the club in the future.

“He came in to replace Martín Anselmi, and we were always transparent that this was a short-term assignment. Thankfully, he brought us a title, but he also understood that this was a defined stage of our project. We’re grateful for his contribution and his dedication to the club,” he said.

The former player’s departure drew criticism, as he left behind an impressive record of 17 wins, 8 draws, and just two losses. He also went on an unbeaten run of 19 consecutive matches, further highlighting the surprising nature of his exit.

Off the pitch, Cruz Azul are actively reinforcing their squad ahead of the Apertura 2025. One of the most talked-about potential signings is Serbian striker Luka Jović, currently with AC Milan. Velázquez confirmed that the club has already initiated contact.

“Any team would want a player like him. Yes, we’ve had some talks, and we hope things mature positively in the coming days. Hopefully, he joins Cruz Azul,” Velázquez stated.

However, the club’s focus remains on building a cohesive unit over chasing marquee names for publicity.

“It’s not about big-name signings. We’re looking for players who adapt to our playing model. That’s been the key to building a competitive and exciting team—maximizing talent within a strong collective identity,” he concluded.

Cruz Azul are set to kick off its Apertura 2025 campaign in a month’s time, facing Mazatlán FC in its opening match. While no official signings have been confirmed yet, several names are reportedly on the club’s radar -including Argentine midfielder José Paradela, who played under Nicolás Larcamón at Necaxa last season.

With Larcamón now leading the team from the sidelines, Cruz Azul are widely expected to be a serious title contender in the upcoming tournament.