# Platense coaching change and competitive updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/platense-coaching-change-and-preseason
> Updated: 2026-08-09T18:39:00.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 4.

In early July, Club Atlético Platense played a 0-0 pre-season friendly against Sarmiento as the team prepared for an upcoming clash with Boca Juniors. A month later, after a 4-0 loss to Talleres de Córdoba in the Torneo Clausura, Platense dismissed head coach Walter Zunino by mutual agreement. The departure occurred amidst a 14-match winless run and heightened internal tension following an incident involving captain Ignacio Vázquez.

Former striker and ex-coach Martín Palermo was appointed to succeed Zunino, signing a contract through December 2028. Supported by President Gastón Arcieri, Palermo inspected renovated facilities in Vicente López that meet CONMEBOL standards for the club's upcoming Copa Libertadores round-of-16 clash against Chilean side Coquimbo Unido. His coaching staff includes Diego Cagna and Damián Leyes.

Palermo achieved his first victory of his second tenure on August 7, 2026, with a 1-0 win against Independiente in Avellaneda during the fourth round of the Torneo Clausura. Guido Mainero scored the winning goal in the 64th minute following a goalkeeper error. This result ended Platense's 14-match winless streak in the local tournament. Despite the success, Palermo has urged caution, noting the team's limited preparation time due to weather conditions. The club continues to manage a demanding schedule involving the Clausura, the Copa Argentina, and the Copa Libertadores.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-09: Platense defeats Independiente 1-0 in Martín Palermo's return

Platense defeated Independiente 1-0 with a goal from Guido Mainero, marking Martín Palermo's first win in his return as manager and ending a 14-match winless streak in the local tournament.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/platense-defeats-independiente-1-0-in-martn-palermos-return

### 2026-08-07: Martín Palermo returns as Platense head coach

Martín Palermo begins his second term as Platense head coach, signing until 2028. He aims to stabilize the team ahead of his debut against Independiente and upcoming Copa Libertadores fixtures.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/martn-palermo-returns-as-platense-head-coach

### 2026-08-04: Platense hires former star Martín Palermo as coach after 4-0 defeat to Talleres

Platense dismissed Walter Zunino after a 4-0 loss to Talleres and appointed former star Martín Palermo as coach ahead of a Libertadores round‑of‑16 tie with Coquimbo Unido.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/platense-coach-zunino-resigns-after-4-0-defeat-to-talleres

### 2026-07-10: Sarmiento draws 0-0 with Platense in pre‑season friendly ahead of Boca clash

Sarmiento held Platense to two 0‑0 pre‑season friendlies, introduced new signing Elián Giménez, dealt with Pasquini’s ankle injury, and eyes a Copa Argentina clash with Boca Juniors.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sarmiento-draws-0-0-with-platense-in-preseason-friendly-ahead-of-boca-clash

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Cite as: Platense coaching change and competitive updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/platense-coaching-change-and-preseason