Santos Laguna has officially appointed Francisco Rodríguez Vílchez as their new head coach for the upcoming Apertura 2025 tournament, following a tumultuous season that saw the team finish at the bottom of the Liga MX standings. Rodríguez, a 46-year-old from Almería, Spain, takes over from Fernando ‘Tano’ Ortiz, who resigned on May 5, 2025, after a dismal campaign where the team managed only two wins, one draw, and suffered 14 losses. The club's announcement was made on May 10, 2025, marking a significant shift in leadership as Santos aims to reverse its fortunes in Mexican soccer.
Under Ortiz’s guidance, Santos Laguna recorded their worst-ever season, accumulating just 17 points over 34 matches, a stark contrast to their previous performance under Ignacio Ambriz where they finished with 10 points. This has raised serious concerns among fans and stakeholders regarding the club's future, especially given that Santos has been at the bottom of the league for two consecutive seasons.
Rodríguez's appointment comes at a critical time for Santos, as the club seeks to rebuild and regain its competitive edge. The new coach is known for his intense and vertical style of play, which prioritizes player development and tactical discipline. In the official statement from the club, they highlighted Rodríguez’s experience in Spanish football, particularly in the top two divisions, and his mentorship under renowned coach Unai Emery. The statement read, "Francisco, born in Almería, Spain, has extensive experience in various categories of Spanish football, particularly in La Liga and Segunda División. He considers Unai Emery one of his mentors, and his coaching style emphasizes intensity and verticality, with a clear focus on talent development."
Rodríguez has a commendable track record, having successfully kept UD Almería in La Liga during the 2013-14 season and achieving the same feat with Elche CF in the 2021-22 season. Additionally, he reached the promotion finals with Girona FC for two consecutive years (2020-21 and 2021-22), showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and lead teams to success.
Interestingly, Rodríguez's most recent position was with Rayo Vallecano, where he was in charge from July 2023 until February 2024. After a brief hiatus of over 15 months without a coaching role, he now faces the challenge of revitalizing Santos Laguna, a club that was once a dominant force in Mexican soccer.
The departure of Ortiz was not just a matter of poor performance; it also came amid controversy surrounding Alejandro Irarragorri, the president of Grupo Orlegui, which owns both Santos and Atlas. Irarragorri has faced criticism from fans for the club's decline, particularly after appointing his then 24-year-old son as president in October 2024. This decision raised eyebrows and led to increased scrutiny of the club's management.
Furthermore, Ortiz's resignation followed allegations against Irarragorri regarding a tax fraud case amounting to 17 million pesos, which added to the instability within the club. The situation is precarious, and Rodríguez will need to navigate these turbulent waters carefully as he seeks to restore confidence among fans and stakeholders alike.
Despite the challenges ahead, Rodríguez’s hiring signals a new direction for Santos Laguna. His experience in handling crisis situations will be crucial as he attempts to instill a winning mentality in the squad. The club’s management has expressed optimism about the future, believing that Rodríguez’s approach will help develop young talent and foster a competitive spirit within the team.
The Liga MX continues to attract talent from Spain, and Rodríguez joins a growing list of Spanish coaches in the league. In the recent Clausura 2025 tournament, other Spanish coaches such as Doménec Torrent and Óscar García also made headlines, although both faced challenges in their respective teams. Torrent, who coached Atlético de San Luis, and García, who took over Chivas, both struggled to achieve the desired results, leading to early exits from their positions.
As the Apertura 2025 tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Santos Laguna and their new coach, Francisco Rodríguez. Will he be the one to turn the tide for a club that has seen better days? The upcoming season promises to be a critical test for both the coach and the team as they strive to reclaim their place among the top contenders in Liga MX.
With a fresh start and renewed hope, Santos Laguna fans are eager to see how Rodríguez will implement his vision and whether he can revitalize a team desperate for success. The challenges are significant, but with the right strategies and a commitment to improvement, there is potential for a remarkable turnaround.
As the club enters this new chapter, the support of the fans will be more important than ever. The journey ahead is fraught with uncertainty, but with a new leader at the helm, Santos Laguna is ready to embark on a fresh quest for glory.
