Tom Robinson
As the Torneo Final reaches its halfway stage in Argentina, the race for the title is beginning to take shape. Among those fighting for the top spot are Lanus, who have made a blistering start to the campaign having notched an impressive 23 points from the opening eleven games. The only side still unbeaten in the league, El Grana didn’t even concede until late in the fifth match when Agustin Marchesin’s goal was finally breached after a club record 541 minutes. A talented squad, Lanus have rightly underlined their credentials as one of the teams to beat.
This bright start has also increased the burgeoning reputation of their young managerial duo; identical twins Guillermo and Gustavo Barros Schelotto. Both brothers enjoyed successful playing careers in Argentina, most notably with hometown club Gimnasia LP and later Boca Juniors, but the decision to appoint ‘Los Mellizos’ (Guillermo as manager, Gustavo his assistant) still seemed somewhat of a gamble given their coaching inexperience. Nevertheless, it has turned out to be a masterstroke, as highlighted by Lanus’ current league position.
After a shaky start to the Torneo Inicial, Lanus gathered momentum to make a late title bid thanks to a run of seven consecutive victories, but ultimately fell just short, finishing fourth. Built around a robust defence that conceded only ten goals, Barros Schelotto has begun to mould his team into an impressive unit and given their strong finish it is not surprising they have carried that good form into the new season.
It is, however, important to recognise the effect the Copa Libertadores has on the current standings. Across South America, domestic tournaments are often sacrificed as clubs prioritise a strong run in the continent’s premier competition and Lanus have certainly benefitted from the fact many of their usual title rivals have been distracted by the Copa Libertadores.
What’s more, in the opening rounds Lanus have had the fortune of playing four of Argentina’s five Copa Libertadores representatives – all of who have fielded considerably weakened sides. While they struggled against the same full strength opposition in the Inicial, this time around they have profited, winning three and drawing one. This contrasting factor could well prove the vital difference between success and failure, and Barros Schelotto will hope to take full advantage of this golden opportunity.
It hasn’t all been plain sailing though. Unexpectedly Guillermo received some public criticism from experienced forward Mario Regueiro, who claimed that when the manager first took over he needed guidance from the players. Regueiro quickly backtracked, claiming he had been misquoted, and fortunately for Lanus it doesn’t seem to have disrupted their quest for a second title. A recent spate of draws though have allowed Newell’s to leapfrog Lanus in the last round of fixtures, surrendering top spot for the first time this season, and will ensure that the Torneo Final is still going to be a tightly contested affair.
But what does the future hold for Lanus’ talented young manager? The obvious destination is Boca Juniors. As a player “Guille”, as he is fondly known, is one of their all-time idols having won 16 titles including six leagues, four Copa Libertadores, two Copa Sudamericanas and two Intercontinental titles. It seems almost a certainty that the 39-year-old will manage his beloved Azul y Oro at some point in the future. Carlos Bianchi’s return has failed to have the desired effect on a transitional Boca Juniors side and after another shambolic performance coming in a 6-1 humiliation away at San Martin, perhaps the call for Barros Schelotto will come sooner rather than later.
One stumbling block could well be his relationship with Juan Roman Riquelme. The pair played and won plenty together, but things deteriorated after Barros Schelotto sided with Martin Palermo when the Boca Juniors camp famously split in two. Bad blood simmered after harsh words were exchanged between the duo in 2011, when Barros Schelotto – back at Gimnasia – reacted angrily after Riquelme reportedly said that he wanted to relegate them to La B.
Nevertheless, things seemed cordial enough when the two were reunited recently in a 0-0 draw between Boca Juniors and Lanus. To interpret it as a sign of willingness to reconcile differences for the greater good might be over analysing the gesture, but it certainly seemed to represent a burying of any lingering animosity between the club legends.
But, this aside, maybe Barros Schelotto would be wise to hold off on a move back to the Bombonera for the time being. The gifted Lanus squad are in far better nick than Boca Juniors’ and, given the exorbitant amounts of pressure the job in Buenos Aires brings with it, perhaps the young manager might be better off cutting his teeth in the less demanding environment at La Fortaleza and wait for a more opportune moment before making the inevitable return to Los Xeneizes. Will Barros Schelotto be able to resist the lure though?
For the time being at least Lanus are going strong and Los Mellizos could well be on their way to adding yet another piece of silverware to the long list they have already won as players.
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