'Beginning of a beautiful journey' - Gabriel Milito arrives in Guadalajara to finalize deal as new Chivas head coach

More than a month after their early Clausura 2025 exit, Chivas are moving forward . On Sunday, Argentine coach Gabriel Milito landed in Guadalajara to finalize the details of his contract, and is expected to be officially announced as the club's new manager.

Milito, who most recently managed Atlético Mineiro in Brazil during the 2024 season, was selected by Chivas’ leadership - including Alejandro Manzo and Javier Mier - after a lengthy search. Other names reportedly under consideration included Jaime Lozano, Matías Almeyda and Domenec Torrent, the latter of whom ultimately signed with Monterrey.

Milito was greeted at the airport by a group of fans and briefly shared his excitement.

“I’m very happy to be here and eager to get started. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of a beautiful journey,” he told reporters.

Chivas plan to formally introduce Milito in a news conference later this week at Estadio Akron. In the meantime, the Argentine coach is expected to oversee his first training session as early as Monday at the club’s Verde Valle facility - assuming all contract details are completed.

With a new coach at the helm and preseason underway, Chivas aim to turn the page and restore the club’s competitive edge heading into the next Liga MX season.

Milito’s lone managerial title came with Atlético Mineiro, winning the Campeonato Mineiro, a regional tournament in Brazil. Despite reaching the finals of both the Copa do Brasil and Copa Libertadores with the same club, he fell short on both occasions.

Since beginning his coaching career in 2015 with Estudiantes, Milito has a decade of experience - but just one trophy. Over that span, his record stands at 130 wins, 99 losses and 79 draws, giving him a win rate of approximately 50 percent.

The squad returned to work last week, beginning preseason preparations with medical and fitness evaluations ahead of the Apertura 2025 campaign.

As part of their build-up, Chivas are confirmed to participate in the Copa Morelos, with a match scheduled against Atlante on June 20. Depending on that result, they will face either Cruz Azul or León two days later.