Boca Juniors named Miguel Angel Russo as its new manager on Monday, just two weeks before the Argentine club’s debut at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
Russo, 69, replaces Mariano Herron, who was appointed caretaker manager in April after Fernando Gago was dismissed.
It will be Russo’s third spell in charge of Boca, having guided the club to its sixth Copa Libertadores title during a year-long tenure in 2007 before returning for an 18-month stint in 2020 and 2021.
“A manager who gave us the last Copa Libertadores and who is my friend is returning,” Boca president Juan Roman Riquelme told a news conference. “I wish him a lot of success and happiness.”
Russo became available after stepping down as head coach of San Lorenzo in May.
His 36-year managerial career has also included spells at Estudiantes, Universidad de Chile, Rosario Central, Velez Sarsfield, Racing and Millonarios, among other clubs.
“If this didn’t make me happy, I wouldn’t do it,” an emotional Russo said. “I’m grateful to Boca fans because they’ve always supported me.”
Russo’s immediate focus will be the FIFA Club World Cup starting June 14. Boca will begin its campaign against Benfica before also facing Auckland City and Bayern Munich in the group stage.
