When it was announced that Real Madrid legend Fernando Hierro was going to be taking over as sporting director for Chivas it seemed like the writing was on the wall for now former coach Ricardo Cadena. Hierro was likely not going to tie his tenure to a coach that he didn’t choose for the job. At the same time the results that Cadena was able to provide didn’t necessarily wow anyone, so it made sense that he would be let go in order to allow the Spaniard to start fresh at Chivas.
There are a couple of names out there that have already surfaced as candidates for the managerial role at Chivas. As was potentially to be expected most of the names that have been floated around are Spanish managers. Who’s the frontrunner to take over as Chivas manager?
Albert Celades & Luis Milla Seemed To Be The Front Runners
Fernando Cevallos of Fox Sports Mexico recently mentioned that Albert Celades, and Luis Milla, both Spanish managers, were the frontrunners for the Chivas role. After Cevallos sent out this rumor though, Fernando Hierro himself mentioned that he wanted a manager that had some type of experience in both European leagues, and Liga MX. Their lack of experience in Liga MX would potentially eliminate the two Spanish managers from contention. It would seem odd for Hierro to utter that phrase about Liga MX experience, and then bring someone along who doesn’t have that experience.
There are a couple of names that fit the profile of having both European and Liga MX experience. Spaniards Paco Jemez, and Miguel Gonzalez “Michel” both have recent experience in Liga MX, and could be on Hierro’s radar for Chivas. Both managers had some form of “success” in their respective tenures with Cruz Azul, and Pumas respectively. Another name that fits the bill with experience in both Mexico, and Europe is none other than Hugo Sanchez. The Real Madrid legend has been trying hard to get back into coaching for years, and Hierro’s arrival at Chivas may just be his ticket back!
Do Former Liga MX Managers Have A Shot?
From what Hierro has mentioned it seems unlikely that he’ll go after a lower profile former Liga MX manager like Lillini, Jaime Lozano, or even Larcamon. While it’s probably true that either of the 3 would love to get a crack at being the head coach at Chivas their lack of familiarity with Hierro could be an issue. It would just seem very odd for Amaury Vergara to go through the trouble of bringing a high profile sporting director like Fernando Hierro to craft a project with someone that he could’ve brought staying in house.
If Vergara wanted to bring on someone like Lillini then maybe he could’ve just gone out and hired someone like Nestor De la Torre to be his sporting director. This is one of the same reasons why we feel like Hugo Sanchez is a bit of a long shot. Javier Aguirre is another manager that would fit the bill for what Hierro has said he’s looking for. It’s unlikely though that “El Vasco” would leave Mallorca hanging to come to Chivas.
What Would Be Expected Of Any Coach Results Wise?
The big problem with Chivas is that fans and the media expect them to be fighting for titles. If you take this roster, and put them in a Mazatlan jersey would you be surprised that they finished 9th like they did? Most people probably wouldn’t be too surprised. The problem for fans is that Hierro’s signing is certainly accompanied by high hopes. Since they can only sign Mexican players though there’s only so much that Hierro can do to turn this team around. Particularly in the first year of his tenure. Are Chivas fans going to be patient?
