Alfio Basile has quit as coach of Boca Juniors after a demoralizing
loss to rival River Plate capped six months without a title
victory.
Boca Juniors president Jorge Amor Ameal announced Basile's
exit while praising him for many achievements during his history
with the club. He has coached since June, his second time in the
role after winning five titles with the club in 2005 and '06.
"El Coco" will be temporarily replaced by reserve team coach
Abel Alves until the club chooses his successor, a decision Ameal
says won't be made anytime soon.
The resignation comes with Argentina's Clausura season set to
open next week.
"Unfortunately, a man just resigned who has done much for
this institution," Ameal said. "Now he has decided to distance
himself from the institution."
Alves will debut for the club on Sunday in another preseason
game against River Plate. River defeated Boca 3-1 on Wednesday,
which prompted the resignation.
Ameal said it was possible Alves would coach through the
Clausura season. Looming in the wings is the club's manager Carlos
Bianchi, Ameal's choice as the long-term replacement.
"The question of Bianchi as the coach is a continuing wish,"
Ameal said. "Today our coach is Abel Alves. ... At the moment
Carlos does not want to coach."
Basile took over in July, his second stint as the club's
coach. He had won five titles in his previous stint.
