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Guadalajara’s resurgence in Liga MX is being directly attributed to the impact of head coach Gabriel Milito, though his long-term future with Chivas may be in question. Reports surfacing in recent days suggest interest from Argentinian powerhouse River Plate, potentially luring the 44-year-old back to his homeland.
Milito took the helm at Chivas prior to the season, and quickly began to implement a tactical and cultural shift. The club, historically known as El Rebaño Sagrado (The Sacred Herd), had been struggling to consistently compete at the highest level. Sources indicate Milito prioritized a deep dive into the club’s youth academy, aiming to leverage existing talent and build a cohesive team identity. This approach has demonstrably improved the team’s discipline and tactical clarity, according to reports.
The Argentine coach’s resume includes managerial stints with Estudiantes, Independiente, and Argentinos Juniors in his native Argentina, as well as experience in Chile with O’Higgins and Brazil with Atlético Mineiro. Notably, he led Atlético Mineiro to a championship victory in , a success that undoubtedly caught the attention of clubs both in South America and beyond. His appointment at Chivas was seen as a signal of the club’s intent to invest in a long-term project, moving away from a cycle of frequent coaching changes.
However, the potential for a return to Argentina is gaining traction. River Plate, one of the most prestigious clubs in South America, is reportedly seeking a new manager, and Milito has emerged as a leading candidate. Multiple outlets are reporting that Chivas even “sweetened their initial offer” to Milito with a two-year contract in an attempt to secure his commitment, suggesting the club was aware of external interest.
The speculation surrounding Milito’s future has not gone unnoticed in Mexico. David Faitelson, a prominent sports commentator, has publicly urged Chivas to take action to retain their manager, acknowledging the potential disruption that his departure could cause. The club’s fans, who have embraced Milito’s leadership, are also expressing concern over the possibility of losing him.
Milito’s arrival at Chivas coincided with a growing trend of Argentinian coaches making their mark on Liga MX. As of , he is one of six Argentinian managers in the league, joining Eduardo Berizzo (Club León), Nicolás Larcamón (Necaxa), and Antonio Mohamed, among others. This influx of South American tactical expertise is adding a new dimension to the Mexican top flight.
Chivas finished the Apertura 2025 regular phase in 6th place, reaching the quarter-finals. While not a championship run, it represented a clear improvement over previous seasons and validated Milito’s early work. The team’s identity, built around a commitment to developing Mexican talent – Chivas famously does not sign foreign players unless they are of Mexican descent – is also strengthening under his guidance.
The question now is whether that progress will be enough to keep Milito in Guadalajara. River Plate represents a significant opportunity, offering a return to his roots and a chance to manage one of the most iconic clubs in South American football. The coming weeks will likely be crucial as Chivas attempts to convince Milito to remain committed to the project he began less than a year ago. The reports suggest that another Argentinian club, Independiente, is also interested in Milito, further complicating the situation.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by Liga MX clubs in retaining top managerial talent, particularly those who demonstrate success. The lure of managing prestigious clubs in their home countries, coupled with potentially more lucrative offers, can be difficult to resist. For Chivas, the loss of Milito would be a significant setback, potentially derailing the positive momentum they have built under his leadership.
The club’s president, Amaury Vergara, will likely play a key role in negotiations with Milito. His willingness to invest in the manager’s vision was evident in the initial contract offer, and further action may be required to secure his long-term future with the Rebaño Sagrado. The outcome will not only impact Chivas’s prospects but also serve as a bellwether for the league’s ability to compete with South American clubs for coaching talent.
