A Club in Crisis and a Coach Under Pressure

In August 2025, Boca Juniors was going through one of the worst stretches in its history. The team had gone 11 matches without a win — seven of those under the current regime — and had been knocked out of the Copa Libertadores preliminary round, the Torneo Apertura quarterfinals, and the Copa Argentina round of 16.

They sat second-to-last in the Torneo Clausura, with a crucial clásico against Racing looming at La Bombonera.

Amid the turmoil, Miguel Ángel Russo chose to face the media at Boca’s training complex. He addressed every major issue: his future, internal conflicts, injuries, and most notably, his health.

When asked about his condition, he answered firmly:

“Don’t look for things where there aren’t any. I’m fine. I don’t like losing, it hurts, but we have to bounce back. The board, everyone, we’re working to make Boca win, which is what we love the most.”

That sentence, spoken calmly but with determination, turned out to be one of the last times Russo publicly spoke about himself. Today, it holds special meaning.

An Unintended Farewell

In that same press conference, Russo was clear about his future:

“We’re doing well, working hard. Winning is important for us. We know we’re facing a tough opponent. I will never think negatively.”

His message reflected the resolve of a man unwilling to abandon ship during a storm. He defended his players and spoke about key figures like Leandro Paredes, calling him “undisputed,” and Edinson Cavani, saying, “At some point, once he gets continuity, he’ll find his level.”

He also addressed difficult situations involving Marcos Rojo, Marcelo Saracchi, and Cristian Lema, who had been separated from the squad, and the return of Frank Fabra to the starting lineup.

A Legacy Beyond Results

Beyond the poor results, Miguel Ángel Russo left behind a message that now feels like a farewell. His comments on his health were more than just a clarification; they were the words of a man who always put Boca Juniors ahead of himself, redirecting attention away from his personal situation to protect the club.

Weeks later, Russo passed away, but that press conference remains etched in memory as one of his final public appearances — a moment in which, unknowingly, he left an indelible mark on the fans’ hearts.