# Erik Lamela moves into coaching role at Monterrey

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/erik-lamela-transition-to-coaching-at-monterrey
> Updated: 2026-08-08T04:01:27.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 4.

After retiring in 2025, Erik Lamela joined C.F. Monterrey’s technical staff in late July 2026. On 28 July the club registered him as a “utilero” for the Apertura 2026 season, placing him on the bench under manager Matías Almeyda while he works toward a UEFA Pro licence. Almeyda praised Lamela’s football insight and described the role as a formal pathway for former players to enter coaching in Liga MX.

Because Liga MX statutes require a Pro licence for a full assistant‑coach position, Monterrey listed Lamela officially as equipment manager, a title that permits him to sit on the bench and assist in daily training. By early August the arrangement remained unchanged.

On 8 August Almeyda defended the registration after media criticism, stating that the “utilero” label is legal, does not confer a competitive advantage, and that the scrutiny was motivated by discrimination. He reiterated that Lamela can appear on the roster for the upcoming Leagues Cup match against Inter Miami while he continues his coaching education.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-08: Rayados coach Matías Almeyda defends Erik Lamela as utilero

Rayados coach Matías Almeyda defends Erik Lamela’s registration as a utilero, calling it legal and accusing media of discrimination ahead of the Leagues Cup match versus Inter Miami.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rayados-coach-matas-almeyda-defends-erik-lamela-as-utilero

### 2026-08-03: Erik Lamela Named Equipment Manager for Monterrey Over License Hurdle

Retired Argentine star Erik Lamela joined Matías Almeyda’s staff at Monterrey but, lacking a UEFA Pro licence, was officially registered as the club’s equipment manager to sit on the bench.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/erik-lamela-named-equipment-manager-for-monterrey-over-license-hurdle

### 2026-07-31: Erik Lamela becomes Monterrey kitman while pursuing coaching licence

Erik Lamela, retired Tottenham midfielder, joins C.F. Monterrey as a kitman due to Liga MX licence rules, while he completes his UEFA coaching badges.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/erik-lamela-becomes-monterrey-kitman-while-pursuing-coaching-licence

### 2026-07-28: Erik Lamela appointed utility staff for Monterrey ahead of Apertura 2026

Erik Lamela, 2021 Puskás winner and former Argentina player, joins Monterrey as a utility staff member under Matías Almeyda, preparing for a UEFA Pro licence.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/erik-lamela-appointed-utility-staff-for-monterrey-ahead-of-apertura-2026

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Cite as: Erik Lamela moves into coaching role at Monterrey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/erik-lamela-transition-to-coaching-at-monterrey