This Monday, Newell’s Old Boys presented their new coach after the departure of Ricardo Lunari as interim coach. La Lepra made official the arrival of Mariano Soso, who was directing in Alianza Lima in Peru and resigned to take charge of the cast of Rosario.
«It is the most important step in my career.. I value being able to be in this reconstruction process to once again be the Newell’s that the fan wants,” were the first words of the former San Lorenzo coach during the press conference at the La Lepra grounds.
Regarding his new cycle in Argentina, Soso stated that «football has headed towards a place where the projects are unsustainable. In fact, it is a word that is already dissolved. The fans and the components of this sport expect immediate answers«.
“They called me to build a team that represents the fans and I was mobilized. It is the most important step in my career because of what this club means to me.”#VamosNewells 🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/pR054N0KJr
— Newell’s Old Boys (@Newells) November 25, 2024
In that sense, he added that ”we consider that we should not deny that and try to find behaviors in the team that modify and have an impact on results. We agreed on the possibility of a redesign and that takes time. To develop a playing culture, a coach needs time. It is a development platform that I am deeply convinced that I need.”
The coach was coaching in Peru but it was not necessary to pay the clause for his departure since he reached an agreement with Alianza Lima. During the negotiation, Soso made sure that there was no commission for any agent since the coach did not want to generate expenses for the club of which he is a fan.
The delicate present of Newell’s Old Boys in the Professional League
The Rojinegro is not going through its best present in 2024, in The Professional League is second to last with only 21 points in 23 games, only above Barracas Central.
Furthermore, Soso’s arrival occurs after the departure of Sebastián Méndez and the two interim positions that succeeded him: Ricardo Lunari and Gabriel Del Valle Medina.
Mariano Soso will be the fifth coach that Leprosy will have this year and will seek to twist the difficult present it is going through, two dates from the end of the tournament.
What are the main challenges facing Mariano Soso as the new coach of Newell’s Old Boys?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Football Expert
Time.news Editor: Good morning and welcome to this special segment. Today, I’m thrilled to have with us a renowned football expert, Dr. Sofia Martinez, who specializes in South American football dynamics. We’re discussing the recent changes at Newell’s Old Boys following the appointment of their new coach, Mariano Soso. Dr. Martinez, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Sofia Martinez: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here to discuss such an exciting moment for Newell’s Old Boys.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Newell’s Old Boys just appointed Mariano Soso as head coach after Ricardo Lunari’s departure. What do you think led to this decision, especially considering Soso was managing in Peru?
Dr. Martinez: Well, appointing Soso indicates that Newell’s is serious about redefining their identity. He has a reputation for building competitive teams, and his previous success at San Lorenzo showcases his capability. The management likely saw this as a chance to not just fill a vacancy but to initiate a significant reconstruction that speaks to their passionate fanbase.
Editor: Soso emphasized that this is “the most important step” in his career. What do you think he meant by that?
Dr. Martinez: Absolutely, that statement carries weight. For Soso, being at Newell’s represents not just a job but an emotional connection. The club is historically significant in Argentine football, and stepping into this role means he’s expected to channel the club’s essence and restore its pride. He acknowledges the pressure but is also ready to embrace the challenge.
Editor: Speaking of challenges, Soso mentioned that “football has headed towards a place where the projects are unsustainable.” How does this reflect on the current state of football, especially in Argentina?
Dr. Martinez: That’s quite insightful from Soso. In Argentina, the instability we often see is partly due to the financial pressures on clubs, where immediate results are prioritized over long-term development. Fans demand success right away, which can hinder strategic planning. Soso’s acknowledgment of this reality suggests he’s aware of the delicate balance between these competing demands.
Editor: It sounds like Soso is quite in tune with the expectations from both fans and the club. How crucial is it for him to align his vision with the supporters’ hopes?
Dr. Martinez: Alignment with fans is paramount! Supporters not only provide the lifeblood of the club but their expectations often shape managerial decisions. Soso’s task will be to create a squad that embodies the identity and spirit that fans crave. If he can harness that energy and turn it into positive results, he may find a much-needed ally in the fanbase.
Editor: Coach Soso mentioned the desire to build a team that resonates with the fans. Can you elaborate on what that entails practically?
Dr. Martinez: Building a fan-centric team means prioritizing local talent, promoting exciting playing styles, and ensuring the team’s ethos aligns with the club’s rich history. Soso needs to create an identity on the pitch, be it through a strong offensive strategy or a solid defense. Engaging fans through performances on the field that reflect their passion and pride will be crucial.
Editor: Very insightful, Dr. Martinez! what do you think are the likely outcomes of Soso’s appointment in the short and long term?
Dr. Martinez: In the short term, we might see a revitalized playing style and a greater focus on youth development, but patience will be essential from the management and fans. Long-term, if Soso is successful, we could witness a stronger club identity and potentially compete for titles again. However, that journey requires time and perhaps a few bumps along the way.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for your expert insights. It seems there’s a lot at stake for Mariano Soso and Newell’s Old Boys as they embark on this new chapter. We wish them the best of luck!
Dr. Martinez: Thank you! I’m excited to see how this unfolds. It’s an important time for the club.
Editor: And to our audience, stay tuned for more updates on Newell’s Old Boys and the ever-evolving world of football.