Vicente Sánchez steps down as Cruz Azul head coach, Nicolás Larcamón reportedly set to take over

Cruz Azul has officially announced the departure of Vicente Sánchez as the head coach of the men’s first team. In a statement released Friday, the organization confirmed that both parties agreed to end Sánchez's tenure.

"By mutual agreement, the tenure of Professor Vicente Sánchez as the head of our men's first team has come to an end today. His leadership, along with the institutional coaching staff, was instrumental in securing the club’s seventh CONCACAF Champions Cup title," the club said in a statement.

Cruz Azul confirmed that a new head coach will be announced in the coming days. According to multiple sources, the leading candidate is Argentine manager Nicolás Larcamón, currently in charge of Club Necaxa.

Talks between the clubs are reportedly in their final stages, with Cruz Azul expected to trigger the $2.5 million buyout clause in Larcamón’s contract.

The intention is to finalize the appointment swiftly, as the club gears up for the 2025 Apertura tournament and prepares for its participation in the Intercontinental Cup, to be held later this year in Qatar.

Larcamón, who previously managed Puebla and León, has built a reputation for developing competitive squads within Liga MX. His arrival at Cruz Azul is expected to usher in a new era, as the club seeks to build on recent success and establish itself as a dominant force both domestically and internationally.

Despite leading the team to continental glory with a resounding 5-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Champions Cup final, Sánchez's position had already been under scrutiny. The Uruguayan coach compiled an impressive record during his 27-game spell: 17 wins, eight draws and just two losses.

At one point, he orchestrated a 19-match unbeaten run that lasted until the second leg of the semifinals against Club América - a match that ultimately sealed his fate.

Though successful on the pitch, Sánchez reportedly struggled to gain the full backing of the club's front office.

With Larcamón expected to take charge, Cruz Azul has already begun shaping its roster ahead of the upcoming Apertura 2025 tournament. The club is working to provide its soon-to-be head coach with the right reinforcements to mount a serious title challenge.

Among the names generating the most buzz are Serbian striker Luka Jović, currently with AC Milan, and Argentine midfielder José Paradela, who plays under Larcamón at Necaxa. Both are reportedly high on the wish list as the club looks to bolster the squad.

La Máquina is set to kick off its campaign on July 12, hosting Mazatlán FC at home.