Guillermo Almada, Matías Almeyda, and Gabriel Milito are among the candidates to replace him.

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Cruz Azul was eliminated by América in the semifinalsTheir 19-match unbeaten streak came to an endwill face the Whitecaps in the Champions Cup Final on June 1Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Despite guiding Cruz Azul to the final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Vicente Sánchez’s days as head coach of are numbered. According to a report, the Uruguayan will step down following the June 1st final against the Vancouver Whitecaps, regardless of the outcome.

Club executives have already begun their search for a new manager to lead the team in the upcoming Apertura 2025. With one of the most valuable rosters in Liga MX, Cruz Azul’s leadership is intent on bringing in a tactician capable of maximizing the squad’s potential and implementing a modern, high-level approach.

Three names top the list of preferred candidates for sporting director Iván Alonso and club president Víctor Velázquez: Guillermo Almada, Matías Almeyda, and Gabriel Milito.

Almada, currently under contract with Pachuca, has long been a target for Cruz Azul. His willingness to move on after the Club World Cup has reopened the door for negotiations. However, a buyout clause remains a hurdle.

Matías Almeyda, who recently parted ways with AEK Athens, is also a strong contender. His previous success with Chivas—winning both Liga MX and the Concacaf Champions League—along with his ability to build strong locker rooms, makes him a favorite within Cruz Azul’s board. With no club ties at the moment, Almeyda would only require an agreement on salary.

Gabriel Milito, though less experienced, has caught the eye for his attractive, possession-based style, reminiscent of Martín Anselmi’s tenure. While he lacks the same track record, his footballing philosophy appeals to the club’s desire for a more dynamic and modern game.

Other names in the mix include Renato Paiva (currently at Botafogo) and Diego Alonso, who is a free agent and has family ties to Iván Alonso. However, these options are said to be less prioritized.

ESPN was the first to report the news of Cruz Azul looking to hire a new coach.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

While Sánchez has delivered positive results—keeping Cruz Azul competitive and reaching a continental final—sources indicate that the decision to part ways stems from deeper concerns. Chief among them is dissatisfaction with Sánchez’s training methods, which the front office reportedly views as outdated and not aligned with the tactical sophistication required at the top level.

Additionally, there’s frustration within the organization regarding Sánchez’s failure to utilize advanced performance software already in place at the club. The underuse of these tools, seen as essential for monitoring and improving player output, has been noted as a wasted investment.

Sánchez’s tactical approach during the semifinal second leg against América also drew heavy criticism internally. Club leadership was reportedly disappointed with the team’s passive stance in a crucial match, especially against a bitter rival, ultimately leading to another painful elimination.

While Sánchez will remain in charge through the Champions Cup final to avoid disrupting the squad’s focus, his departure is set in motion. Sources say the announcement will be made official in early June, signaling the end of his brief but eventful tenure at the helm.

Getty Images SportWHAT ERIK LIRA SAID

Cruz Azul have now turned their full attention to the upcoming CONCACAF Champions Cup Final. Following the team’s semifinal exit in the Clausura 2025, defender Erik Lira addressed fans with a message of gratitude and optimism:

“We’re grateful to the fans because they’re important to us. This is football—sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and it’s all part of the process,” Lira said. “Something big is coming. We’ve been showing our quality as a team, and sooner or later, the reward will come.”

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CRUZ AZUL?

Cruz Azul will take a few days off following their elimination from the Clausura 2025 before shifting focus to their upcoming Champions Cup final. will face the Vancouver Whitecaps on June 1 at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, with continental glory on the line.