Buenos Aires, Argentina — In a move that wasn’t entirely unexpected but still left Boca Juniors fans in shock, Diego Martínez has resigned as head coach following Boca’s third consecutive defeat. The final blow came with a 2-0 loss against Belgrano in Córdoba, adding to earlier losses to Racing and River Plate. His decision marks the abrupt end of a cycle that struggled to take off in 2024.
For many in Boca’s orbit, the writing had been on the wall for a while. Martínez, who came into the role with high hopes and a promising vision, never quite managed to implement a system that worked consistently for Boca. And while three straight defeats may seem like the tipping point, the truth is, this resignation has been brewing for months.
Let’s break down what happened, what led to this turning point, and what it means for Boca moving forward.
How Did We Get Here? The Rocky Road Leading to Martínez’s Exit
At the start of 2024, Diego Martínez arrived at Boca with confidence, calling it “the biggest challenge of my career.” There was reason for optimism. His predecessor, Jorge Almirón, had come close to delivering glory, losing the 2023 Copa Libertadores final to Fluminense. Martínez, with his youth and fresh ideas, was supposed to build on that and lead Boca back to the top.
But the excitement that greeted his appointment began to fade as inconsistent performances piled up. The cracks began showing early. While Martínez’s system showed promise at times—most notably a 1-1 draw against River Plate at the Monumental—he could never string together a consistent run of form. Injuries, a tight schedule, and questionable tactical choices didn’t help.
Fans started to lose patience after key defeats, especially after dropping out of both the Copa Sudamericana and the Copa de la Liga. But the biggest problem? Boca’s struggles away from home. In 20 games as visitors under Martínez, Boca won just 3 times. This vulnerability, particularly on the road, became a recurring issue the coach couldn’t solve.
Boca’s Missed Opportunities: Key Moments That Sealed the Coach’s Fate
One of the key narratives during Martínez’s tenure was that Boca repeatedly fell short when it mattered most. From elimination in the Copa Sudamericana to critical losses in the domestic league, the team just couldn’t rise to the occasion.
One example that stands out was the Copa de la Liga quarterfinal against River. Boca played one of their best matches of the year, controlling the game and showing the attacking intent that Martínez had promised. But that strong performance seemed to be the peak. After that, the team hit a downward spiral, failing to maintain the same level of play.
Another turning point was the penalty shootout loss to Estudiantes in the Copa de la Liga semifinals. After a promising start, Boca let the game slip, with a late mistake by defender Cristian Lema leading to Estudiantes’ equalizer. It was one of many moments where the team lacked the concentration to close out matches—a problem that haunted Martínez throughout his short tenure.
Martínez’s relationship with key players also didn’t help. After a public falling out with striker Darío Benedetto—who was later sold to Querétaro in Mexico—the coach’s authority within the locker room was questioned. This, combined with disappointing performances, eroded Martínez’s credibility with both the team and the fans.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Boca’s Struggles Under Martínez
Let’s dive into the stats, as they paint a clear picture of why things fell apart for Martínez. In 45 games, Boca managed 20 wins, 15 draws, and 10 losses. That might not seem disastrous at first glance, but the details tell a different story.
- Goals Scored: 62 goals in 45 matches — not bad, but hardly the offensive powerhouse fans expected.
- Goals Conceded: 40 goals — an indicator of a leaky defense that never quite stabilized, especially in crucial games.
- First to Concede: In 19 of those 45 matches, Boca conceded the first goal. Constantly playing from behind wore the team down mentally, as they were always chasing the game.
- Away Form: This was perhaps the most damning stat. Out of 20 away games, Boca won just 3, drew 8, and lost 9—securing only 14 points from a possible 60.
It’s hard to build a successful season when you struggle so much outside your home ground, and Boca paid the price for this weakness.
What’s Next for Boca Juniors? A Search for Stability
With Martínez gone, Boca finds itself back at square one in its search for a stable coach. Martínez was the fifth head coach under Juan Román Riquelme’s leadership as the head of Boca’s football operations. His predecessors—Miguel Ángel Russo, Sebastián Battaglia, Hugo Ibarra, and Jorge Almirón—all failed to complete their contracts.
For Riquelme and the Boca board, the pressure is now higher than ever. The team is in 11th place in the Liga Profesional, far off the pace for a Copa Libertadores spot, which will be critical for the club’s financial health and prestige.
But Boca’s problems go beyond just finding a new coach. The squad needs rebuilding, particularly in defense and midfield. Players like Cristian Lema and Lautaro Blanco, who were expected to solidify the backline, have struggled. The midfield trio of Medina, Equi Fernández, and Zenón looked promising at times, but injuries and inconsistent form have hindered progress.
Boca’s immediate goal will be securing a top spot in the league to qualify for international competitions next year. But the long-term vision needs to focus on consistency, tactical discipline, and restoring the winning mentality that defined the club in previous years.
Conclusion: A Familiar Story for Boca Fans, But a New Beginning Awaits
Diego Martínez’s departure marks another chapter in Boca Juniors’ ongoing search for the right formula to bring the club back to glory. It’s a story that’s becoming all too familiar for fans, with another promising coach falling short and leaving the team in a state of flux.
But there is hope. As disappointing as Martínez’s tenure may have been, Boca remains one of Argentina’s biggest clubs, with resources, talent, and an enduring appeal to top coaches. The right hire—someone who can stabilize the squad, address the team’s tactical issues, and reconnect with the fanbase—could quickly turn things around.
As Boca looks to the future, one thing is clear: the next coach will need to bring not just new ideas, but also the mental toughness and consistency that has been missing for far too long.
