Rosario Central is searching for a new manager after Ariel holan unexpectedly resigned from his post,throwing the Argentine club’s preparations for the 2026 Copa Libertadores into uncertainty. the move follows a period of reported disagreement over squad composition and comes despite Holan guiding Central to the top of the annual league table and a controversial championship title. Club leadership, headed by Gonzalo Belloso, is now weighing several potential replacements as they aim to maintain momentum heading into South America’s premier club competition.
Ariel Holan has stepped down as manager of Rosario Central, sending shockwaves through Argentine football and sparking intense speculation about who will lead the club in the 2026 season. Central is preparing for a challenging campaign that includes participation in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores, South America’s premier club competition.
Few expect club leadership, headed by Gonzalo Belloso, to have made this move without already having a successor lined up or in advanced talks. However, as of Friday, December 13, the club has yet to make any official announcements, though a decision is anticipated in the coming days.
Who could take the reins? The name immediately on everyone’s lips within the Central fanbase is Eduardo Coudet, currently managing Alavés in Spain. He successfully steered the team to safety from relegation last season and is now in his second year with the club.
“El Chacho,” a beloved figure at the club, needs no introduction. He previously managed Central and demonstrated his coaching ability both in Rosario and at other teams. However, sources within the club suggest that Coudet currently prefers to remain in Europe, potentially removing him from contention.
Coudet is the coach of Spanish side Alavés.
Another name circulating, particularly among supporters, is Ramón Díaz, an experienced manager currently without a club after being dismissed by Inter de Porto Alegre. While not directly associated with Central, Díaz possesses qualities the team may need for the 2026 season.
Eduardo Domínguez, the manager of Estudiantes de La Plata, is also a potential candidate. He is set to lead his team in the Clausura final against Racing this weekend in Santiago del Estero.
Eduardo Domínguez, the Estudiantes manager who snubbed Central after a controversial title win. (Fotobaires)
Reports from La Plata suggest that Domínguez’s future with Estudiantes is uncertain. He himself acknowledged this in mid-November, stating, “As for my continuity, it depends on what the club wants. It’s never been up to me, and they were already looking to replace me this year.” However, that was before his team reached the playoffs and advanced to the final.
Behind Holan’s Departure
One version of events surrounding Holan’s exit suggests a lack of consensus within the club’s leadership regarding his future, stemming from Central’s disappointing playoff performances this year. Despite finishing atop the annual table, the team was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Apertura (against Huracán) and the round of 16 (against Estudiantes) – both matches played at their home stadium.
Other sources indicate that Holan sought a significant overhaul of the squad for next year, potentially involving the departure of several key players, a plan that reportedly clashed with the vision of club officials, including president Gonzalo Belloso.
Holan’s key achievements during his tenure included building a solid and reliable team with a high points-per-game ratio, leading Central to the top of the annual table. This success secured the club a spot in the Copa Libertadores group stage and earned them the controversial title awarded by the AFA.
