Boca Juniors’ achievements in the past decade have been nothing less than extraordinary. The Xeneizes have become accustomed to winning every competition they participate in and their demanding supporters consider anything less than first place a failure.
Last season they promised to deliver once again, and although it seemed that a third consecutive league title was in the cards, they collapsed under Ricardo Lavolpe, allowing Estudiantes de La Plata to come from behind to steal the league championship from them. Lavolpe has since resigned.
Boca was unable to extend its remarkable domination of a strong Argentine competition and the painful experience has made the club realize that in order to stay a cut above the rest they must go in a different direction. That’s why the appointment of Miguel Ángel Russo couldn’t have come at a better time. Since leading Vélez Sársfield to the Clausura Championship in ’05, he has been chased by Boca’s directors. Russo is determined to succeed at the club, and after just a couple of weeks he has already made modifications that are likely to revolutionize the club.
Last year Argentine clubs performed poorly in international competitions, and although this time Boca has secured a spot in the Copa Libertadores, many are unsure whether the club has the players to match the Brazilian teams. As in most years, Boca is expected to reach the final stages of the competition, but it could get tricky if it doesn’t sufficiently prepare for its group matches against Bolívar, Toluca and Cienciano, who all play at a high altitude.
Unlike his predecessor, Russo believes communication between his players and the club directors are key elements in forming team unity. The good news is that the $26.3 million sale of midfielder Fernando Gago to Real Madrid means that unlike last season when they merely made two low budget signings, the team has money to purchase high quality reinforcements to mount a strong challenge in the Clausura and the Copa Libertadores.
Boca is on the way to creating a strong side, having already signed prolific striker Bruno Marioni, who returns to his native Argentina after finishing as the top scorer of the ’06 Mexican Apertura championship. He will enhance the lethal attacking duo of Rodrigo Palacio and Martin Palermo, who combined for 23 goals last season.
Russo has also affirmed his intention of bringing up players from the club’s youth teams, meaning up-and-comers such as Mauro Boselli are likely to be given an opportunity. Boca recently secured the services of goalkeeper Mauricio Caranta from Santos Laguna and volatile left back Clemente Rodríguez, who returned to the club from Spartak Moscow. Rodriguez will add a wealth of experience to the side after having helped Boca to Copa Libertadores titles in ’01 and ’03.
Russo will employ an attractive offensive style like he used at Vélez, and has announced the revival of Boca’s classic 4-3-1-2 formation. He has already revealed his intentions of utilizing an anchor man, a position that has been vacant since Federico Insúa was transferred to Borussia Mönchengladbach after Boca won the ’06 Clausura Championship.
There have been rumors that Insúa could be on his way back to the club, but the more realistic option is Leandro Gracián, who played under Russo at Vélez before transferring to Monterrey of Mexico. Gracián could be the solution for a side that lacked creativity in the attack toward the end of last season, and if he were to sign, Boca would be more effective when moving forward.
Although replacing Gago will be a difficult task, Russo has shown interest in Leandro Somoza, another midfielder who played for him at Vélez before transferring to Villarreal midway though last year.
If Boca is able to seal these deals, the club would be in a good position to regain its prestige and become a real threat in international competitions. The enthusiasm of the players is always there, but they must be led by a manager who understands how to confront the issues that surround a club of this stature.
Boca may not be your average club, but as last season proved, sometimes even the best need a makeover in order to maintain a high standard. Boca’s new era under Russo has the potential to be a positive one, but the club must not underestimate opponents that have improved a great deal. Most importantly, in order for Russo’s time at Boca to be a success he must cope with the massive pressure from the club’s fans, who expect nothing less than an international title.
Gregory Sica
Loading ...
Leave a Reply