Introduction of Argentine Ex-Barcelona Player as Chivas’ New Director Technician
Argentine former Barcelona player Gabriel Milito, 44, has been officially presented as the new director technician of Chivas, replacing Gerardo Espinoza. He will make his debut in the Apertura 2025 tournament of Mexico’s Liga MX.
Milito signed a two-year contract, becoming the eleventh Argentine director technician in Chivas’ history, which began in 1951 with José María Casullo and ended with Fernando Gago in 2024.
Milito’s Background and Previous Coaching Experience
Gabriel Milito, a seasoned coach with experience in Argentina, Chile, and Brazil, has been tasked with reversing Chivas’ recent struggles. His coaching career started in 2015 with Estudiantes de La Plata.
His primary challenges are ensuring leadership and longevity, as Chivas has seen a high turnover of coaches in the past decade. Only Víctor Manuel Vucetich and Veljko Paunovic managed to stay for at least a year, with Vucetich coaching the Apertura 2020 and Clausura 2021 seasons, and Paunovic coaching the Clausura and Apertura of 2023.
Addressing Concerns Regarding Leadership and Loyalty
Recent examples of instability at Chivas include Fernando Gago, who left mid-Apertura 2024 to join Boca Juniors, and Óscar García Junyent, who only lasted nine games of the Clausura 2025 before retiring mutually. Gago’s situation was particularly controversial due to negotiations with Boca Juniors during the competition and his subsequent departure despite earlier assurances of staying.
Milito addressed these concerns, stating his intention to fulfill his contract and, if possible, extend it. He emphasized his respect for the club and his commitment to Chivas, ruling out any interest in other teams while employed by Chivas.
Milito’s Vision for Chivas
With Chivas enduring an eight-year Liga MX title drought (last winning Clausura 2017), Milito acknowledges the challenge of rebuilding the team’s competitiveness. He aims to create a strong, cohesive squad rather than merely chasing titles.
He also aims to reverse Chivas’ recent struggles against their main rivals, Atlas and America, who have won multiple championships in recent years. Milito views this as an opportunity to lead Chivas back to glory.
Preparations for the Upcoming Season
Chivas is set to begin preseason training this week, with several reinforcements in sight according to Milito and Javier Mier. However, no specific names or positions have been disclosed.
Alongside the Apertura 2025, Chivas will participate in the Leagues Cup from July to August, facing New York Red Bulls, Charlotte FC, and Cincinnati FC in the group stage of this international tournament.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Gabriel Milito’s background? Milito, a former Argentine professional footballer and ex-Barcelona player, has extensive coaching experience in Argentina, Chile, and Brazil.
- Why is Milito’s appointment significant for Chivas? With recent coaching instability at Chivas, Milito’s pledge of long-term commitment and proven track record make him a promising candidate to stabilize the team.
- What challenges does Milito face at Chivas? Ensuring leadership and longevity are key challenges, as Chivas has seen a high turnover of coaches in the past decade.
- What is Milito’s vision for Chivas? Milito aims to build a strong, cohesive squad and reverse Chivas’ recent struggles against their main rivals.
- What are Chivas’ upcoming fixtures? Chivas will participate in the Apertura 2025 and Leagues Cup, facing New York Red Bulls, Charlotte FC, and Cincinnati FC in the group stage of the international tournament.
