Milito Emerges as Boca’s Top Choice to Lead Team at Club World Cup

Gabriel Milito is Boca Juniors' top candidate to take over as manager ahead of the Club World Cup, TyC Sports reported. The former Argentinos Juniors and Atlético Mineiro boss returned to Argentina on Monday, further fueling speculation around his potential arrival at the club. So far, there have been no formal talks with Boca’s Football Council.

Juan Román Riquelme has reportedly made up his mind and wants Milito in charge when Boca travel to the United States for the tournament, where they will face Bayern Munich, Benfica and Auckland City in Group C. The Club World Cup kicks off on June 14, leaving the club a month to finalize a potential deal. In the meantime, interim coach Mariano Herrón will continue to lead the team through the domestic Apertura playoffs, starting with a quarterfinal match against Independiente.

At 44, Milito stands out from other candidates like Gustavo Quinteros, Cristian González, Gerardo Martino, and retired legend Carlos Bianchi. Known for his attacking philosophy and a recent Copa Libertadores final appearance with Mineiro, Milito also has the advantage of a personal rapport with Riquelme from their days as Argentina teammates. However, his preference for three-man defenses and a lack of national trophies remain potential drawbacks.

Within Boca, the mantra is “urgency without haste.” But with the Club World Cup looming, all signs suggest Milito is the primary target for the hot seat.