Domènec Torrent and Gabriel Milito reportedly emerge as final candidates to coach Chivas, Guillermo Almada out of the race

Chivas have zeroed in on two finalists in their search for a new manager: Spanish coach Domènec Torrent and Argentine tactician Gabriel Milito. According to Mediotiempo, these are the only realistic candidates still under consideration, with the club aiming to make a final decision in the coming days.

Guillermo Almada is no longer in the picture. Although the Pachuca boss was intrigued by the Chivas project, his commitment to the Tuzos - who will represent Mexico in the Club World Cup - ultimately ruled him out. The club appreciated his interest and left open the possibility of future talks, but his name has officially been removed from the shortlist.

Torrent remains the leading candidate for the Chivas job. The Spanish coach, known for his experience working alongside Pep Guardiola, is seeking a two-year contract with an optional third season, along with greater influence in sporting decisions. While talks with Chivas have advanced and he is currently at the top of the shortlist, no agreement has been finalized yet. However, internal sources suggest that a deal may be close. That said, Chivas may need to act quickly - Fox Sports reports Torrent also held an interview with Monterrey earlier this week, meaning the Guadalajara club could face competition if they don’t move fast to secure his signature.

Milito, however, is gaining momentum. The former Barcelona defender has already met with Chivas officials, discussed his footballing philosophy, and reportedly made a positive impression. His main drawback is his unfamiliarity with Liga MX, a potential hurdle for a club seeking immediate results.

Complicating Chivas’ pursuit is a new interest in Milito from Argentina. According to TyC Sports, the former Atlético Mineiro manager is the frontrunner to take over Boca Juniors following Fernando Gago’s exit - a twist of fate, as Gago himself is a former Chivas coach. Milito arrived in Argentina earlier this week, and while no official talks have taken place, Boca president Juan Román Riquelme is reportedly eager to bring him in. Should that materialize, Milito would potentially lead Boca at the Club World Cup.

Back in Guadalajara, time is of the essence. Chivas are set to resume preseason activities on May 21, and sporting director Javier Mier is pushing to finalize the managerial appointment before then to allow the new coach to begin work on player reinforcements and preparations for the upcoming tournament.

Neither of the two leading candidates is currently under contract. Domènec Torrent most recently managed Atlético San Luis, but parted ways with the club after a disappointing Clausura 2025 campaign, in which the team finished 15th out of 18. Gabriel Milito, on the other hand, left Atlético Mineiro in Brazil after a mixed spell that included 23 wins, 20 draws, and 19 defeats.

Chivas remain committed to the idea of hiring a foreign coach, hoping to recapture the kind of success that has eluded them under domestic leadership. Notably, the last Mexican manager to win a league title with the club was José Manuel “Chepo” de la Torre in the Apertura 2006.

However, neither Torrent nor Milito presents a surefire solution. Milito’s overall coaching record spans 308 matches, with 130 victories, 79 draws, and 99 losses - yielding a win rate of just over 42 percent. While both bring international experience and tactical credibility, Chivas know that either appointment would come with risks as well as potential rewards.

While still in search of a replacement for Espinoza, Chivas are set to begin its Leagues Cup campaign on July 31 against the New York Red Bulls. The Guadalajara club will also face Charlotte FC and FC Cincinnati in the group stage.

No preseason friendlies have been confirmed yet, but the squad is scheduled to report back for training on May 21.