Boca Juniors Appoint Gago as Head Coach

Former Argentine soccer player Fernando Gago speaks during a press conference after taking over as the new coach of Boca Juniors, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 14 October 2024. (EPA)
Former Argentine soccer player Fernando Gago speaks during a press conference after taking over as the new coach of Boca Juniors, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 14 October 2024. (EPA)
TT

Boca Juniors Appoint Gago as Head Coach

Former Argentine soccer player Fernando Gago speaks during a press conference after taking over as the new coach of Boca Juniors, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 14 October 2024. (EPA)
Former Argentine soccer player Fernando Gago speaks during a press conference after taking over as the new coach of Boca Juniors, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 14 October 2024. (EPA)

Boca Juniors have appointed Fernando Gago as their new head coach, the club announced on Monday, with the former Argentina international returning to the team where he made his senior debut in 2004.

The 38-year-old replaces Diego Martinez, who resigned last month after three consecutive defeats in Argentina's top flight.

"Gago signed his contract with Boca and is the new Xeneize coach. Welcome home, Fernando," Boca wrote on X.

The former defensive midfielder had spells with Real Madrid, Roma and Valencia before returning to Argentine football in 2013 to play for Boca once again. He ended his playing career with Velez Sarsfield.

As a manager, he led Racing Club to the Argentine Champions Trophy and the International Super Cup after a spell at Aldosivi de Mar del Plata.

Gago, who took over at Chivas in December, had said on Thursday he would leave the Mexican club.



Man City Loses again in 2-1 Defeat to Aston Villa

Manchester City's Phil Foden reacts after Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers scoring his side's second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Aston Villa and Manchester City, at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
Manchester City's Phil Foden reacts after Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers scoring his side's second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Aston Villa and Manchester City, at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
TT

Man City Loses again in 2-1 Defeat to Aston Villa

Manchester City's Phil Foden reacts after Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers scoring his side's second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Aston Villa and Manchester City, at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
Manchester City's Phil Foden reacts after Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers scoring his side's second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Aston Villa and Manchester City, at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

Manchester City's stunning slump continued Saturday with a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Goals from Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers at Villa Park consigned the four-time defending champion to nine defeats and just one win in 12 games, The AP reported.

Phil Foden pulled a goal back for City in stoppage time, but it wasn’t enough.

City dropped to sixth in the standings — nine points below leader Liverpool, having played two games more.

Villa climbed to fifth.