Riquelme bajo fuego: Boca’s crisis deepens amid criticism of management

Juan Román Riquelme, the current president of Boca Juniors, is facing unprecedented criticism as the club navigates a period of significant sporting setbacks and perceived mismanagement. Social media and sports media outlets are abuzz with negative sentiment, with Riquelme increasingly being held accountable for the team’s ongoing failures.

The comparison of Riquelme to Daniel Passarella, a former Argentine Football Association president who presided over a period of significant decline for the national team, is gaining traction. While some deem the comparison premature, arguments are being made that Riquelme’s management style parallels the issues that plagued Passarella’s tenure, particularly concerning the infamous relegation of River Plate under his leadership.

Crisis in Management

Critics point to a pattern of failures under Riquelme’s presidency, suggesting that poor results are no longer isolated incidents but rather the norm. The current leadership is accused of a systemic approach to decision-making that has led to a series of unsuccessful coaching changes, questionable player acquisitions, and a perceived lack of clear direction.

Key areas of concern include Riquelme’s alleged “remote control” management style, his significant influence over the technical area, and the selection and retention of coaches who are seen as easily swayed by his inner circle. Persistent conflicts with players and the signing of footballers deemed not up to the standard of a club like Boca are also cited as significant shortcomings. The concentration of decision-making power in a single individual is seen as a major contributing factor to the club’s current predicament.

A History of Setbacks

The article details a string of disappointing results during Riquelme’s tenure as president. Notably, the club has failed to win a title under his direct presidency. The last significant trophy, the Supercopa Argentina in March 2023, was secured when Hugo Ibarra was coach and Jorge Ameal was president, with Riquelme overseeing football operations.

Recent campaigns have been marred by early exits from major competitions. This includes elimination from the Copa Libertadores in the group stage after 32 years, a historically poor performance. The team has also suffered semi-final defeats in the Liga Profesional and Copa Argentina, and has struggled to compete for the league title.

The 2025 season was particularly dismal, marked by a Libertadores exit on a “fateful night” against Alianza Lima, which ultimately led to the dismissal of coach Fernando Gago. Further setbacks in domestic cups and an embarrassing group stage exit from the Club World Cup against a semi-professional New Zealand side underscore the depth of the club’s struggles. The article also highlights five home eliminations in various competitions and two years without participating in the Libertadores.

Player and Coaching Issues

The current squad’s performance has also come under fire. The article mentions key players like Edinson Cavani being sidelined for significant periods, and others nursing injuries. The decision to play a player with a torn muscle while seemingly overlooking fit alternatives has drawn criticism. The team’s inability to convert early advantages in the Libertadores, losing crucial matches after strong starts, further compounds the narrative of underperformance.

Erosion of Popular Support

Despite Riquelme’s historically strong connection with the Boca Juniors fanbase, his popular support is reportedly eroding. While direct chants against him have not been prominent, general discontent and calls for the entire board to leave implicitly include the president. An Olé survey reportedly indicates that 76% of respondents consider Riquelme primarily responsible for the club’s current difficulties.

The article questions whether Riquelme will make significant changes to his management approach, given the current crisis. It suggests that his political future and standing with the fans are at stake, posing the question of whether he will consider sharing leadership or entrusting key responsibilities to other club legends to navigate Boca Juniors out of its current predicament. The ultimate fear is that Riquelme could end his presidency in a similar manner to Daniel Passarella’s tenure.

Datos clave
| Aspecto | Detalle |
|—|—|
| Presidente de Boca Juniors | Juan Román Riquelme |
| Críticas principales | Estilo de gestión, fichajes, resultados deportivos |
| Comparación recurrente | Daniel Passarella |
| Encuesta Olé (responsabilidad) | 76% |
| Títulos bajo presidencia directa | Ninguno |

This situation is significant for FootballGames10 readers as it reflects a major club in Argentine football facing a deep crisis, impacting team performance, player morale, and the club’s overall direction. The scrutiny on Riquelme’s leadership provides insight into the dynamics of football club management and the pressures faced by prominent figures in the sport.

Fuente: Ole – https://www.ole.com.ar/boca-juniors/riquelme-boca-crisis-gestion_0_IvSyRca6IR.html

Datos clave