Arruabarrena era begins, training starts June 18
Rodolfo Arruabarrena has agreed to return as Boca Juniors head coach, replacing Ubeda (1). El Vasco's second stint at the club comes with the squad set to resume training on Wednesday, June 18 (3). The former Boca boss, who has been working in Arabian football, is expected to bring familiar faces into his staff. His arrival signals a full reset after Boca's turbulent spell, which included a humiliating Copa Libertadores exit and mounting fan anger over a league fixture postponement against Sarmiento.
Arruabarrena's stance on the youngsters
One early positive: Arruabarrena reportedly has a clear position on giving Boca's academy products a real chance. 19-year-old midfielder Aranda, fresh off his Argentina senior debut under Lionel Scaloni, and Gorosito are among the young talents who could benefit from the new regime (1). Aranda has been a rare bright spot in a gloomy season, his bold and adventurous style quickly making him a fan favourite.
Villa return divides the fanbase
An Olé poll is gauging whether Boca supporters would back the return of Sebastián Villa (2). The Colombian winger's possible comeback is generating heated debate among fans. No official move has been confirmed, but the discussion alone shows how divisive the prospect is.
Ghost of 2022: Roni recalls THAT night at La Bombonera
In a nostalgia piece from the Brazilian press, former Corinthians midfielder Roni reflected on the night Boca were knocked out of the 2022 Copa Libertadores round of 16 at La Bombonera on July 5, 2022. "I was confident, I can't explain it," Roni said, recalling a request he made to then-coach Vitor Pereira before that match (4). Scoreline unavailable, but the wound remains familiar for any Boca fan who was there.
