No more. Sebastián Battaglia has ceased to be the head coach of Boca Juniors, the Argentine club announced through a statement on its social media.
Sebastián Battaglia's departure from the bench of Boca Juniors comes after the elimination of the Xeneize's senior team in the round of 16 of the 2022 Copa Libertadores. In a penalty shootout at La Bombonera, the blue and gold team was eliminated by Brazilian side Corinthians.
"The club announces that Battaglia is no longer the coach of the senior football team and thanks him for his contribution throughout this cycle," is what they initially state.
Boca Juniors' statement on Sebastián Battaglia
They added that "after his time as the Reserve team coach, he took charge as coach of the First team and won two titles, such as the Copa Argentina and the Copa de la Liga, so the entire club will always be grateful for his work. Sebastián, Boca will always be your home. Best of luck in your career."
In a cycle that lasted less than a year, he managed 57 matches with 29 wins, 17 draws, and 11 losses, and won two titles, the Copa Argentina-2021 and the Copa de la Liga-2022.
However, like his predecessor at Boca Juniors, Miguel Ángel Russo, the elimination in the Copa Libertadores meant the end for Sebastián Battaglia, as he couldn't achieve the team's main objective of the season, winning the continental tournament, which they have won six times but haven't won in fifteen years since their last triumph in 2007.
Another factor that led to his departure was the public complaint he made after the elimination on Tuesday, when he stated to the press, "we should have been more aggressive in the transfer market. Important players left and we couldn't replace them. There were issues that needed to be resolved but weren't."
Battaglia and the end point of his adventure as Boca's coach
At that point, Battaglia referred to the departure of winger Eduardo Salvio, who left on a free transfer to Mexican football after his contract wasn't renewed, and the lack of reinforcements to face the most challenging part of the season.
"What I said is something logical that any coach does. Coaches usually ask for reinforcements in certain positions, where I believe those additions can enhance the squad. Many coaches have said phrases like that. It shouldn't bother anyone," he said.