Boca Juniors Coach Arruabarrena Demands Quality Over Quantity for New Reinforcements

Boca Juniors manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena stated that any new player additions must represent a genuine leap in quality rather than simply filling a gap. Speaking after a 1-1 draw against Racing in the Torneo Clausura 2026, Arruabarrena confirmed he is in constant contact with club president Juan Román Riquelme and sporting director Marcelo Delgado regarding the transfer market. He emphasized that he will not bring in a defender just because of current injuries if the player does not improve the team's overall level.

The match was marked by a penalty goal for Racing in the 8th minute and an equalizer by Miguel Merentiel in the 29th minute. Arruabarrena described his feeling as bittersweet, noting that while the team showed resilience by coming from behind, conceding first is a pattern that needs to change. Boca currently has seven points and remains far from the playoff zone in Zona A.

Injuries continue to plague the squad. Ayrton Costa was forced off in the second half, joining a list of unavailable players that includes Leandro Paredes, Marco Pellegrino, Leandro Lozano, Lautaro Di Lollo, and Malcom Braida. Milton Delgado also left the game early, though Arruabarrena clarified it did not appear to be a muscle tear. Despite the shortage, the manager expressed full support for his remaining center backs, specifically praising Nicolás Figal and Costa for their commitment.

Arruabarrena also highlighted the contributions of youth academy players. Facundo Herrera and Camilo Rey Domenech were praised for their performances, with the coach noting that these players earn their opportunities through daily training. Boca faces Lanús this Friday, followed by matches in the Copa Argentina against Velez and the Copa Sudamericana against San Pablo.