What changed
2026-08-05 03:44 UTC → 2026-08-08 05:14 UTC ·
added
removed
Erik Lamela transition to moves into coaching role at Monterrey
In late July 2026, former Argentina international After retiring in 2025, Erik Lamela was incorporated into joined C.F. Monterrey’s technical staff. staff in late July 2026. On 28 July the club registered him as a “utilero” (utility staff) for the Apertura 2026 season, placing him on the bench under manager Matías Almeyda, allowing him to gain experience Almeyda while working he works toward a UEFA Pro licence. By 31 July Almeyda praised Lamela’s football insight and described the arrangement was clarified: because 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 coaching role, assistant‑coach position, Monterrey listed Lamela officially as a kitman. This administrative workaround lets him assist in daily training and continue his coaching education, marking the first step of his post‑playing career in Mexican football. By early August 2026 the club continued to list Lamela as the team’s equipment manager, a title that permits him to sit on the bench and work alongside assist in daily training. By early August the arrangement remained unchanged. On 8 August Almeyda while he studies for defended the UEFA Pro licence. The move follows Lamela’s retirement in 2025 at age 34 registration after recurring hip problems and references his distinguished playing résumé – media criticism, stating that the “utilero” label is legal, does not confer a Europa League triumph with Sevilla, spells at River Plate, Roma, Tottenham Hotspur and AEK Athens, competitive advantage, and the 2021 FIFA Puskás Award. The licence‑related workaround therefore remains that the mechanism scrutiny was motivated by which discrimination. He reiterated that Lamela can appear on the roster for the upcoming Leagues Cup match against Inter Miami while he transitions from player to full‑time coach in Mexico. continues his coaching education.