Three-time CONCACAF Champions League winner Monterrey parted ways with head coach Victor Manuel Vucetich (pictured) on August 25, 2013. (Photo: Mexsport)
MONTERREY, Mexico – Mexican side Monterrey announced on Sunday that it has parted ways with head coach Victor Manuel Vucetich after nearly five years.
The dismissal comes seven games into the 2013 LIGA MX Apertura season that sees the Rayados sitting in 14th place with only one win after a 3-1 loss to Leon on Saturday.
“The intention to meet with you today is to notify you and our fans that we made the decision to make a change in our team's Technical Director,” said José González Ornelas, President of Monterrey’s Board of Directors, at a press conference. “With this decision, Mr. Victor Manuel Vucetich and his technical staff no longer have responsibility for the technical management of Monterrey Football Club.”
Since his hiring in January 2009, Vucetich has overseen a period of unprecedented success at the club, which includes appearances in six finals. Under the 58-year-old’s guidance, Monterrey has won the last three CONCACAF Champions League titles (2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13), appeared in two FIFA Club World Cups (2011, 2012) and captured two Mexican league crowns (Apertura 2009, Apertura 2010).
“We had these achievements, but on the other hand the results we have had in the last three tournaments have been below our expectations as a club and as an institution,” continued González Ornelas. “The why of this decision addresses the commitment we have to be looking ahead and seeking achievements constantly to meet the commitment we have to our Supporters, which we appreciate that they are with us always.”
Though a replacement has not yet been named, González Ornelas believes an appointment will come soon and that person will inherit a competitive squad of players, plus have the club’s full support.
“We currently do not have the person who will be in charge of this responsibility,” commented González Ornelas. “We hope to be reporting on the person who will come soon, but in any case the commitment to the group that will come will be from all who remain in this institution.
“We still believe we have a squad of gifted individuals, and we here at the front, together with the players and the technical group that will eventually come in the following days, have to make the permanent commitment to get the highest achievements for this institution.”
Vucetich is the third LIGA MX head coach to be relieved of his duties this season, following Puebla’s Manuel Lapuente and Benjamin Galindo at Guadalajara.
Monterrey’s next game is on Wednesday at Altamira in the Copa Mexico. It returns to league play at home on Saturday against Atlas.
