San Lorenzo, one of Argentina's most storied football clubs, is in the midst of a deep crisis. The team's 2-0 defeat to archrivals Huracán in the classic match on August 13, 2026, not only broke a 25-year streak of Huracán failing to win at the Nuevo Gasómetro stadium, but also ignited a firestorm of fan anger. The following morning, more than 50 members of the club's barra brava (organized supporter group known as 'La Butteler') stormed the training ground and confronted the players and coaching staff.
Coach Néstor Gorosito, who took over recently, revealed the details of that tense encounter in an exclusive interview with TyC Sports on Friday, August 14. 'The reality is that they spoke very well with us,' he said. 'They came to ask what could be the reasons for this moment, and I told them what I'm telling you: we need time to work.' He also addressed the institutional problems: 'We've been here a short time, and due to inhibitions from previous administrations, we couldn't register players. Now we've managed it, but the accumulation of problems leads to moments that are uncomfortable and difficult.'
The barra's demand: a list of players
According to journalist Silvio Maverino from El Gráfico, the meeting was not threatening, but it was far from friendly. The barra leaders told the young players that 'they stop being kids once they train with the first team' and criticized the lack of attitude in the classic. The most tense moment came when, in front of the entire squad, the barra addressed captains Nicolás Tripichio and Alexis Cuello with a firm demand: 'By tomorrow, we want a list with the names of players who don't want to continue at San Lorenzo.'
The pressure continued with banners appearing around the stadium: 'Apologize to the members and go out to win,' 'You didn't lose a classic, you lost your dignity,' and 'At San Lorenzo, classics are won.'
Romagnoli's support and the request for time
Club idol Pipi Romagnoli came out to support Gorosito, saying 'He has the backing to turn the situation around.' Gorosito himself backed the leadership of Marcelo Culotta, noting that 'he won't solve in 50 days the accumulation of years.' He also analyzed the team's on-field struggles: 'Today San Lorenzo is a rushed team. From the moment the ball leaves the goal, it has to end in a goal pass, and we struggle to find the right zones to distract the opponent and then get to the finish.'
The Cyclone is currently last in Zone A of the Torneo Clausura (the second half of the Argentine league season) with just 3 points from four matches, tied with Talleres and Estudiantes. They have won only one of their last 11 games and were eliminated on penalties in the round of 32 of the Copa Argentina by Deportivo Riestra. This Saturday, August 15, at 2:30 PM local time, they will host Unión de Santa Fe at the Nuevo Gasómetro for the fifth round, with broadcast on ESPN Premium.
Sources: TyC Sports | Infobae | El Gráfico