Liga MX’s Chivas have hired former Boca Juniors and Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago as their new head coach, the Mexican club announced on Wednesday.
The 37-year-old Argentine replaces Veljko Paunovic (21W-8D-13L), who mutually parted ways with Liga MX’s second-most successful side on Dec. 15 after a disappointing quarterfinal playoff exit in the 2023 Apertura season.
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Although Paunovic initially exceeded expectations with a run to the 2023 Clausura final in his first season in charge, this season’s quarterfinal exit, coupled with a failure to qualify for the knockout round of the summer’s inaugural MLS–Liga MX Leagues Cup tournament, ultimately led to his departure.
Gago will now begin his third managerial job — and first outside of his home country — after previously leading Racing Club (2021-23) and Aldosivi (2021).
With Aldosivi, Gago produced inconsistent results and resigned in October 2021 after suffering seven defeats in a row.
