JAKARTA - Boca Juniors did not listen to the advice of legendary player, Diego Maradona. Instead of recruiting Mauricio Pochettino as coach, they instead appointed Miguel Angel Russo to replace Gustavo Alfaro.
Alfaro resigned earlier this month and Maradona - currently coaching Argentine Superliga side Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata - advised former Tottenham manager Hostpur Pochettino to take over the post.
However, Boca brought back Russo, who previously coached the Argentine giants in 2007 and led the club to Copa Libertadores glory that year.
"I always had the illusion of coming back to Boca again," Russo told reporters. Launch Soccerway, Tuesday, December 31.
"The former coach who was lucky enough to win the Copa Libertadores has returned." he continued.
✍ Miguel Ángel Russo firmó su contrato y es el nuevo director técnico de #Boca. #VamosBoca 👊 pic.twitter.com/VisXI2xBXv
- Boca Jrs. Oficial (@BocaJrsOficial) December 30, 2019
Russo said he knew one day he would return and he had never lost hope. For that he would not waste this opportunity.
"Hopefully I can win the Copa Libertadores and celebrate at La Bombonera," he added.
The 63-year-old returns to Buenos Aires after previously traveling with Peruvian club Alianza Lima and Paraguay club Cerro Porteno in 2019.
Russo led Cerro Porteno to this year's Libertadores quarter-finals. Their lunge ran aground at the hands of River Plate who was the runner-up.
Going into the New Year, Boca are second and one point behind leaders Argentinos Juniors. So far they have played 17 games.
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