These are the favorites to take over as Rayados coach after Demichelis fired by Monterrey

Having fired Martín Demichelis in the wake of their Clausura 2025 elimination, Monterrey are out to move fast to appoint the Argentine’s successor.

Demichelis out after playoffs failure

Champions of Mexico on five occasions, Rayados were knocked out of the Liga MX playoffs in the quarter-finals on Saturday, losing on away goals to Toluca after a 4-4 aggregate draw. Demichelis’s dismissal as head coach was confirmed the following day.

Developments are now expected imminently, as Rayados target an experienced replacement who can lead the club into this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup - a tournament that is of paramount importance to Los Albiazules.

Who could take over at Monterrey?

With numerous rumors swirling around and plenty of names on Rayados’ radar, two major candidates have emerged who are both familiar to Liga MX fans.

One man being linked with the Rayados job is Doménec Torrent, who parted company with Atlético San Luis boss last month, after missing out on qualification for the Clausura playoffs.

Although the Catalan is reported to have held talks with Chivas Guadalajara, ESPN’s John Sutcliffe says Los Rojiblancos have prioritized the appointment of Gabriel Milito, potentially leaving the way clear for Rayados to hire Torrent.

Meanwhile, Sutcliffe also reports that Matías Almeyda, who is currently in charge at Greek club AEK Athens, is a prime candidate to replace Demichelis.

Almeyda is a coach who has previously enjoyed success in Mexican soccer. During a three-year spell with Chivas, he led the Guadalajara club to the Clausura 2017 championship.

When do Monterrey kick off CWC campaign?

At the Club World Cup, Monterrey have been drawn in a group with Italy’s Inter Milan, Argentinians River Plate and Japan’s Urawa Reds.

The five-time CONCACAF champions begin their campaign against Inter, on June 18 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

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