Bombazo en Nacional: El elegido para suceder a Bava y la lista secreta de candidatos
Nacional Hunting for New Coach: Sebastián Abreu Top Candidate After Bava’s Exit
What Happened? The Quick Version
Imagine your favorite soccer team just lost a game badly. The bosses decide the coach needs to go. Now they’re racing against the clock to find a replacement before the biggest game of the season. That’s exactly what’s happening at Nacional, one of Uruguay’s most famous football clubs.
Why Did the Previous Coach Get Fired?
Jorge Bava was let go on Sunday after Nacional lost 2-0 to Racing at the legendary Estadio Centenario. This was only the second game of the Torneo Clausura (the second half of Uruguay’s split-season league format). When you’re a big club like Nacional, losing early often means the coach pays the price.
Meet the Main Candidate: Sebastián "El Loco" Abreu
Important Point: "El Loco" means "The Crazy One" in Spanish – it’s Abreu’s famous nickname earned from his wild goal celebrations and adventurous career playing for 32 different clubs across 11 countries!
Why Abreu?
- Fan Favorite: He’s a Nacional legend who helped them win titles as a player
- Current Job: Coaching Tijuana in Mexico’s top league
- Special Clause: His contract has a "Nacional escape hatch" – he can leave if his boyhood club comes calling
- Decision Time: He’s thinking it over and should answer within hours
The Backup Plan: If Abreu Says No
Nacional’s directors have a shortlist ready just in case:
- Gustavo Munúa – Former Nacional goalkeeper, currently without a team
- Álvaro Gutiérrez – Won titles as Nacional’s coach before, also available
- Diego Monarriz – Has coached in Uruguay (including Danubio), also on Danubio’s radar
The Ticking Clock: Why the Rush?
Critical Deadline: August 31st – just two weeks away – Nacional faces Peñarol in the Clásico at Peñarol’s stadium (Campeón del Siglo).
What’s a Clásico?
Think Yankees vs. Red Sox, Lakers vs. Celtics, or Real Madrid vs. Barcelona. Nacional vs. Peñarol is Uruguay’s biggest rivalry – arguably one of the fiercest in world football. You cannot go into this game without a coach settled in.
What Happens Next? Step by Step
- Abreu decides – Yes or no to leaving Mexico
- If yes – Paperwork, press conference, first training session
- If no – Call Munúa, Gutiérrez, or Monarriz immediately
- Whoever it is – Gets ~10 days to prepare for the Clásico
- August 31st – Game day at Campeón del Siglo
Why This Matters for Nacional Fans
| Factor | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Timing | New coach needs time to implement ideas before biggest game |
| Experience | Abreu knows the pressure of Nacional-Peñarol games |
| Stability | Club wants to avoid constant coaching changes |
| Fan Expectations | Supporters demand wins, especially in Clásicos |
Summary
Nacional fired coach Jorge Bava after an early Clausura loss. Sebastián "El Loco" Abreu – club legend, current Tijuana coach – is the #1 target thanks to a special contract clause allowing him to join Nacional. He’s deciding now. If he declines, Munúa, Gutiérrez, or Monarriz are next in line. Deadline: August 31st – the Nacional-Peñarol Clásico. The new coach will have barely two weeks to prepare for the most intense match in Uruguayan football.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Who is Sebastián Abreu?
A Uruguayan football icon who played for 32 clubs worldwide (a Guinness World Record). He starred for Nacional as a player and is nicknamed "El Loco" for his famous Panenka penalty against Ghana in the 2010 World Cup.
What is the Torneo Clausura?
Uruguay’s league splits into two tournaments per year: Apertura (opening) and Clausura (closing). Winners of each face off for the national title. This is just the 2nd round of the Clausura.
Why does Abreu have a "Nacional clause" in his Mexico contract?
It’s common for club legends to negotiate exit clauses for their "heart club." Abreu loves Nacional – he pushed for this protection when signing with Tijuana.
What happens if no one is hired by August 31st?
An interim coach (usually from the youth/reserves) would take the team. But Nacional’s directors want to avoid this embarrassment for such a massive fixture.
Is Abreu a proven coach?
He’s coached in Mexico, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, and El Salvador with mixed results. His main asset is man-management and knowing Nacional’s culture – crucial for a Clásico.
Source: FútbolUy / Montevideo Portal
Follow for updates: @futbolportaluy