The current situation of Racing has put Diego Milito in one of the most uncomfortable situations since he took over the presidency of the club. With the team far from the positions it aims to occupy and the discontent of the fans increasingly visible, the club's top leader decided to address the main questions regarding his management and took responsibility for some decisions.
During a press conference held in the context of signing the contract for Leandro Córdoba, the latest addition to the squad, Milito did not shy away from criticism and acknowledged that the current football situation is below expectations. "Racing cannot be in the position in the table where it currently stands. We are not happy, just as the people are not, and they are right", he stated.
The president also emphasized that he considers himself the main responsible for the moment the institution is going through. "We do self-criticism every day, and I understand that when these types of situations arise, I am the main responsible as president of the club", he maintained, although he made it clear that he still has confidence in the squad and in the project initiated with the current coaching staff.
The mea culpa for Costas
One of the central points of the conference was the departure of Gustavo Costas. Milito acknowledged that the decision to extend his contract for three seasons was not the right one and took responsibility for the mistake made. "With the benefit of hindsight, it was a mistake to renew Costas for three years", he admitted.
The leader explained that the decision was made after a period in which the coach had achieved significant results and had generated a strong identification with the squad. "At that moment, we were convinced that Gustavo could accompany us for the three years ahead (as the board of directors). We had just played a semifinal (of the Libertadores) after 28 years and played in a tournament final (Clausura 2025) and we saw a team that was committed to its coach, literally throwing themselves headfirst for him. We felt it was essential for Gustavo to continue with us", he explained.
He detailed that the economic conditions of that negotiation also influenced the decision. "When we negotiated the contract with Gustavo, it was quite difficult to reach an agreement. I’m not saying he didn’t deserve it, but we decided to spread the money he requested over three years. We lost sight of the wear and tear the squad had after two years, with everything that means in our football", he pointed out.
Finally, the leader considered that the change in scenario forced a difficult decision. "And it’s football, a few months later things didn’t go as we expected, and it wasn’t pleasant because everyone knows the affection one has for Gustavo as a person, as a coach, for everything he has given, he is an idol of the club. But sometimes you have to make certain decisions for things to improve", he concluded.
The defense of Vojvoda
Despite the poor start, Milito strongly backed Juan Pablo Vojvoda, who recently took charge of the team. The academic president highlighted his work and considered that the results do not yet reflect everything the team shows on the field.
