Argentine press highlights Lucho González in Athletico: “Special rival”

The signing of the former Argentine player, Lucho Gonzalez as Athletico’s coach, was reported in the Argentine press.

Lucho was confirmed by Furacão last Tuesday (24), two days before the decisive duel against Racing, this Thursday (26), in Buenos Aires, for the second leg of the quarterfinals of the 2024 South American. He replaced the fired Martín Varini.

The Argentine newspaper, TyC Sportshighlighted Lucho’s special relationship with the first rival he will face in charge of Furacão as head coach: the Argentine is a declared Racing fan.

“On several occasions he confessed his fanaticism for the Avellaneda team, a team he used to go to the stadium to watch with his father and of which he has a tattoo on his left calf,” writes the newspaper.

“When he was a player, he wanted to wear this shirt, and now, in his new profession, he dreams of sitting on the bench one day. This is what he said two years ago in a conversation with the program How’s it going“, he continues.

Lucho González, on coaching Racing

“I have a dream of managing Racing, I am just starting my career as a coach and I hope this can come true in the future.“

Newspaper highlights Lucho’s idolatry at Athletico

On the other hand, TyC also highlighted the idolatry that Lucho gained at Athletico. As a player, the Argentine star played 155 matches, scored 11 goals and won the Copa do Brasil and the South American championship twice.

“His first game will be very special, not only because of his love for Racing, but also because he is playing to be among the four best in the international competition,” adds the publication from the neighboring country.

Racing coach plays for victory and for the job

Finally, the Argentine press also highlights the difficult situation faced by Racing coach Gustavo Costas. The coach was close to leaving the club after a defeat to Gimnasia two weeks ago in the Argentine Championship.

However, he then went on to win three consecutive matches, including a triumph over Newell’s and a 6-1 rout over Huachipato from Chile, in the South American Cup itself, earning a new lease of life in the position.

However, he then stumbled again, against teams such as Atlético Tucuman and Furacão itself, in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the South American, once again coming under pressure in his position.

“With this scenario, an elimination in the South American could leave the coach on the bench again or even lead the board to make the decision to fire him, since the club would have no major sporting challenges left, because in the League it has 24 points, far behind Vélez, the leader”, highlights TyC.