Tuesday 22 September 2009

Don't Go Coco

After seven competitive games in charge including 3 defeats, 3 draws and a solitary win Boca Juniors coach Alfio Basile tended his resignation on Sunday night. In the aftermath of defeat at home to Godoy Cruz of Mendoza on Sunday, Coco headed for room 707 of the team hotel to inform General Manager Carlos Bianchi and others of his intention to quit. After only a couple of months in the job he didn't believe he could improve things, questioning his own ability to motivate and connect with the team, their attitude, the depth of the squad (Rodrigo Palacio and Fabian Vargas both left in the close season) and a lack of harmony in the boardroom.

Bianchi however refused to accept his resignation and set about rectifying the delicate situation , conscious also that his own reputation relies to a certain extent on Basile succeeding - mission accomplished and he's agreed to stay on. Other factors such as some ridiculous defending (particularly on Sunday), Riquelme's permanent injuries - he's out for at least the next two matches, and fatigue...........yes fatigue 4 weeks into the new season have also been blamed for the poor start.

The goal now is to ensure that they secure qualification for the Copa Libertadores - on current form they are looking very unlikely. Sucessive games against Estudiantes and then Velez will prove if the confidence in the manager is justified - the board maybe begging for the resignation letter.

Hasta luego!