Report: Fernando Gago in line for Necaxa job as Nicolás Larcamón’s future remains uncertain

With Nicolás Larcamón’s departure from Necaxa reportedly imminent, the club’s front office has already begun the search for his replacement. Among the leading candidates is Fernando Gago, the former Chivas manager who left the Guadalajara club during the Apertura 2024 to take over Boca Juniors. Now, just over six months after his exit, Gago appears on the verge of returning to Liga MX, with sources indicating he has already reached an agreement with Necaxa.

If confirmed, Gago would replace Larcamón, who is rumored to be closing in on a deal to become Cruz Azul’s next head coach.

Gago’s time at Boca Juniors was short-lived and controversial. He was dismissed just a few weeks ago following criticism over the team’s performance, especially their failure in the Copa Libertadores. Despite this, he posted a positive record of 18 wins, five draws, and seven losses in 30 matches.

During his time with Chivas, Gago assembled a competitive squad and showed signs of building a clear football identity. However, his abrupt and controversial departure overshadowed any progress. In total, he managed 38 games, recording 17 wins, 9 draws, and 12 defeats.

The possibility of Gago returning to Mexico as quickly as he has is sparking controversy in national sports media. On Futbol Picante (ESPN), former player and executive Ricardo Peláez suggested bringing back the long-defunct "Gentlemen’s Agreement" to prevent scenarios like this:

“Bring back the pact, for the love of God. Club executives should talk and act in the industry’s best interest. A coach who does something like this? Wait three years, not six months," he said.

On Fox Sports, journalist Raoul Ortiz criticized Gago’s coaching credentials: “After failing at Chivas, now he’s back. Great as a player, but as a coach? He hasn’t delivered. He lied when he said he wasn’t leaving," he said.

Former national team forward Carlos Hermosillo added: “Don’t we have any memory in this country? We welcomed him with open arms — look how he left.”

And Rafael Márquez Lugo, also a former striker, commented: “Whether or not he’s a good coach is another matter. What I didn’t like was how he left Chivas.”

Gago's exit from Chivas came in early October 2024, shortly after a Clásico Tapatío loss to Atlas. Gago informed Chivas' board of his intention to leave, sparking a wave of speculation. Despite publicly denying he would leave, Chivas eventually released an official statement confirming his resignation, after which he took over at Boca Juniors. His tenure there ended on May 25, 2025, following a Superclásico loss to River Plate.