Alajuelense coaching leadership changes

The coaching situation at Liga Deportiva Alajuelense underwent a rapid shift following a period of poor performance. Initially, the club’s board of directors officially ratified the continuity of head coach Ismael Rescalvo and his technical staff. This decision was made despite intense pressure from fans and protests following a loss in the Clásico Nacional against Saprissa and a run of form where the team earned only one point from nine possible matches.

However, shortly after the club stated that Rescalvo’s position was not under discussion, the team appointed Bryan Ruiz as interim manager. Ruiz, who was leading the club’s U-21 team, took over following Rescalvo’s departure. This change occurred after the team failed to secure a victory in four consecutive matches, leaving them in sixth place in the domestic standings. The sudden dismissal drew criticism from analyst Rolando Fonseca, who questioned the credibility of the board after their previous public support for the coach.

Following Rescalvo’s dismissal, the club also confirmed the departures of assistant coach Juan Rescalvo and physical trainer Robert Tejero. Bryan Ruiz will lead the squad alongside Javier Delgado and Wilmer López, with an immediate focus on the Concacaf Central American Cup quarter-final against Marathón. To address defensive struggles, the club also announced that defender Giancarlo González has returned, signing a contract through June 2027.