Maradona suggested Pochettino but Boca Juniors bring back Russo

Miguel Ángel Russo, 63, will lead Boca Juniors for a second time, having guided the Argentine powerhouse to Copa Libertadores glory in 2007.

Boca Juniors have appointed former boss Miguel Ángel Russo as head coach to replace Gustavo Alfaro.

Alfaro stepped down earlier this month and club great Diego Maradona – currently in charge of Argentina's Superliga side Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata – suggested ex-Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino to take charge.

However, Boca brought back Russo, who previously coached the Argentine powerhouse in 2007 and led the club to Copa Libertadores glory that year.

Russo keen to repeat Libertadores glory at Boca

"I always hoped to return to Boca," Russo told reporters. "The previous coaches who were lucky enough to win the Copa Libertadores have returned.

"I knew that some time I would return and that I never lost it. This is the moment and this is the opportunity."

"Hopefully I can win the Copa Libertadores and celebrate in La Bombonera," he added.

The 63-year-old Russo returns to Buenos Aires after spells with Peruvian side Alianza Lima and Paraguayan outfit Cerro Porteño in 2019.

Russo guided Cerro Porteño to the Libertadores quarter-finals this year – their campaign ended by eventual runners-up River Plate.

Heading into the New Year, Boca are second and a point behind leaders Argentinos Juniors after 16 matches.