Report: Gabriel Milito, ex-Barcelona defender and Atlético Mineiro boss, hired as Chivas' new manager

Chivas have finally ended their search for a new manager. Argentine coach Gabriel Milito will lead El Rebaño Sagrado into the Apertura 2025, as confirmed by multiple sources, following a disappointing Clausura campaign in which the team failed to reach the Liguilla and cycled through two managers without success.

César Luis Merlo, who first reported the news, revealed the Guadalajara-based club improved its initial offer to Milito - who had turned them down days earlier - and ultimately secured his signature on a two-year contract. The 44-year-old Argentine had also attracted interest from Boca Juniors, but opted for the challenge of leading Chivas through what has been described as a critical phase of restructuring.

Milito takes over at a turbulent time for Chivas. The club not only missed out on the Liguilla, but also failed to qualify for the Play-In round in the Clausura 2025, leading to the dismissal of then-coach Gerardo Espinoza. In the aftermath, Chivas explored various options to fill the vacancy. Talks were reportedly held with Guillermo Almada, Domenec Torrent, and Juan Carlos Osorio, but none of the negotiations proved fruitful. Other names like Jaime Lozano and former club icon Matías Almeyda were also mentioned but ultimately passed on the opportunity.

After a series of unsuccessful attempts, the Guadalajara-based club has finally secured a new leader in Milito—a former FC Barcelona defender known for his tactical discipline and emphasis on structured play. His challenge will be not just to deliver results, but to help reshape a team that has struggled to define its identity in recent seasons.

Chivas began their preseason this week, and Milito is expected to be formally introduced and integrated into training sessions in the coming days, once all contractual details are finalized.

Milito arrives at Chivas carrying a well-rounded managerial background. The Argentine tactician has helmed clubs such as Estudiantes, Independiente, and Argentinos Juniors in his home country, along with O’Higgins in Chile. Most recently, he led Atlético Mineiro in Brazil, guiding them to the Campeonato Mineiro title in 2024. While his coaching résumé is impressive, this marks his first foray into Mexican football. He will now join a growing list of Argentine managers in Liga MX, including Eduardo Berizzo (León), Nicolás Larcamón (Necaxa), Pablo Guede (Puebla), Guido Pizarro (Tigres), and Antonio Mohamed (Toluca).

El Rebaño will kick off their Leagues Cup campaign on July 31 against the New York Red Bulls. The group stage will also see them face MLS sides Charlotte FC and FC Cincinnati.