'He will no longer continue as our coach' - Boca Juniors dismiss Fernando Gago following loss to River Plate in Superclásico

Fernando Gago's tenure as Boca Juniors manager has come to an abrupt end following the club’s 1-0 loss to River Plate in Sunday’s Superclásico. Despite Boca sitting atop Group A in the Apertura and having already secured a place in the Liga Profesional quarterfinals, the semifinal defeat in the Copa de la Liga Profesional was deemed unacceptable.

The announcement was made Tuesday by Mauricio Serna, a member of Boca’s football council, who confirmed that the club had already begun the search for Gago’s replacement.

“Gago’s time with us has come to an end," he said. "We're here to make decisions, and last night we reached the conclusion that he will no longer continue as our coach. We’re grateful for his work, but several situations led us to this decision."

Gago coached a total of 30 matches - 15 in the 2025 Apertura, 10 in the 2024 Liga Profesional, three in the Copa Argentina, and two in the Copa Libertadores. His record was solid: 17 wins, five draws, and eight losses. However, a string of high-profile setbacks proved too much for the club’s leadership to overlook.

Among the most damaging results were the Libertadores group stage loss to Alianza Lima, a dramatic Copa Argentina semifinal exit at the hands of Vélez (in which Boca squandered a 3-2 lead to lose 4-3), and a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Racing in another rivalry clash. Yet it was the lackluster showing against River that ultimately broke the board’s patience.

Gago took over after leaving his role at Chivas Guadalajara. While Boca’s domestic position remains strong, the decision to part ways reflects frustration with the team’s conservative approach in high-stakes fixtures.

“There are certainly situations that led us to make this final decision, but our appreciation remains. He is someone we value,” Serna said. “As we’ve always done here at the club, with no secrets - we’re just regular people, but we’re here to make decisions, and that’s what I came to announce.”

Mariano Herrón, currently managing the club’s reserve squad, is expected to step in as interim coach. Boca will travel to face Tigre next weekend, with the match details yet to be finalized.