Raul ‘Potro’ Gutierrez will stay at Cruz Azul.
He signed a contract extension with the Liga MX side through December 31 2023, transitioning from interim manager to head coach.
Potro Gutierrez initially joined Cruz Azul amid the 2022 Apertura as a temporary solution, following the firing of Diego Aguirre. He originally served as the club’s Under 20 coach, before being promoted on an interim basis as the club searched for a permanent replacement. But his results were enough to convince Cruz Azul owners.
Aguirre departed the Mexico City team after the record-breaking 0-7 defeat against league rivals Club America, forcing Gutierrez to quickly take the helm.
He stood on the sidelines only one week after the historic loss, leading Cruz Azul to an overall 5W-1L-1D record to conclude the season in seventh on the table. The team triumphed 1-0 over Club Leon in the playoffs, before losing 3-0 against Monterrey in the quarterfinals.
But the expectations are high for the 2023 Clausura, as many expect Cruz Azul to return to its winning ways and a top four position in the league standings.
The new tournament kicks off on January 6.