A long-awaited return: Insúa and San Lorenzo, together again
The Club Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro is about to make official the return of Rubén Darío Insúa as head coach. The "Gallego", 63, will begin his third spell at the helm of the Boedo-based club, according to sources close to the negotiation who spoke to TyC Sports.
The news comes at a delicate moment for the club, which sits second-to-last in its group in the Torneo Clausura. The board, led by president Marcelo Culotta (who took office on June 4), decided to bet on experience and homegrown knowledge to turn things around.
Verbal agreement and contract details
According to reports, the club's board and Insúa's lawyer, Carlos Granero, held a three-hour meeting in which they sealed a verbal agreement. The contract, not yet signed, would run until December 2027.
Insúa is currently in Miami, United States, and is expected to return to the country in the coming hours to put pen to paper and get to work with his coaching staff.
Debt resolved and conflict with his assistant settled
One of the hurdles that delayed the negotiation was the salary debt the club owed Insúa and his coaching staff from his previous spell, which ended in April 2024. The initial payment plan only covered the head coach, not his assistants, which caused friction.
In addition, differences with Roberto "Lute" Oste, the Gallego's longtime assistant coach, were resolved. Oste had filed a lawsuit against the club over unpaid wages. With the agreement, Insúa will be able to work with his usual team of collaborators.
San Lorenzo's difficult present
Insúa's return comes after the departure of Néstor "Pipo" Gorosito, who was sacked after managing 8 official matches (2 wins, 2 draws, 4 losses), the last being a 1-0 defeat to Instituto in Córdoba.
Meanwhile, Walter Perazzo will take charge on an interim basis for this Saturday's match (round 8) against Talleres, at the Pedro Bidegain stadium, starting at 7:00 PM local time.
Dream debut: Independiente, the same rival as in 2022
If his arrival is confirmed, Insúa would make his debut in round 9 of the Torneo Clausura away to Independiente in Avellaneda, on Sunday, September 13. Interestingly, that is the same rival he faced in his second spell debut in 2022.
His second match would be a classic: he will host Boca at the Nuevo Gasómetro on Sunday, September 20.
The Gallego's numbers at the Cyclone
Insúa has coached San Lorenzo in two previous spells: 2002-2003 and 2022-2024. In total, he has accumulated 146 matches, with 57 wins, 54 draws, and 35 losses, a win rate of 51.37%.
His most notable achievements include the 2002 Copa Sudamericana and qualification for the 2023 Copa Sudamericana and the 2024 Copa Libertadores.
Other candidates ruled out
Before settling on Insúa, the board evaluated other coaches such as Zubeldía, Quinteros, Cufré, Romagnoli, Orsi-Gómez, and Méndez, but ultimately chose the Gallego, who already knows the club and has the affection of the fans.
Possible lineup against Talleres
For Saturday's match, interim coach Perazzo could field: José Devecchi; Ezequiel Herrera, Danilo Arboleda, Emiliano Amor, Teo Rodríguez Pagano; Ignacio Perruzzi, Manuel Insaurralde; Nicolás Tripichio, Facundo Farías (debut), Alexis Cuello; Rodrigo Auzmendi.
Expectations are huge in Boedo. The return of the Gallego excites the fans, who hope his experience and leadership will lead the team back to winning ways.