Santos Laguna: Firing Ruben Omar Romano Was a Huge Mistake

Ruben Omar Romano is no longer Santos Laguna's manager.

After reaching the Final in the two tournaments he managed Los Guerreros, the Argentine coach was sacked due to making finger gestures to the crowd after the defeat at home against Queretaro.

“His behaviour went against the values that the club stands for and promotes, which is why the decision was taken to end our working relationship with immediate effect,” a statement on the club’s website said.

Santos Laguna already announced Romano's replacement: Fellow Argentine Diego Cocca, who played for Atlas (1999-2001), Veracruz (2003-2004) and Queretaro (2005), but has never managed in the Mexican First Division.

“This is a deeply hurtful decision but we must be consistent with our values and responsibility as a model team. Ruben reacted negatively to pressure from the fans and that's something we can't cover up,” club president Alejandro Irarragorri said.

Several media pundits have praised Santos' decision, considering it an example of respect to the fans.

I think it was a huge mistake.

If the board's point was to show respect to the fans, all they needed was a public apology by Romano. Firing him was a decision as imprudent as Romano's reaction to the attacks by some fans.

Two days ago, Santos Laguna had a coach who had led them to two Finals in one year. Now, they start over again with a manager who has no experience in the Mexican League and whose resume is far from impressive.

There are already rumors about this being only a setup for Romano’s firing. If that’s the case, it’s a shame that Santos Laguna forgot so fast the good work of Romano after just seven games in this tournament.

Whatever was the real reason to fire Romano, his team made a huge mistake.

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