Claudio Ubeda: from Zeballos' substitution to Bareiro's exit, a pattern that could cost him his job at Boca
Claudio Ubeda's recent decisions as Boca's coach, especially his substitutions of key players, are putting his job at risk as the team prepares for upcoming matches.
Claudio Ubeda, the coach of Boca Juniors, is facing intense scrutiny following critical substitutions during recent matches. His decision to substitute Exequiel Zeballos during a crucial semi-final against Racing in the Clausura 2025 was met with strong backlash, particularly as Zeballos was regarded as one of the most threatening players on the field. This substitution, viewed as a critical error, continues to affect Ubeda's standing within the club. This pattern of controversial changes resurfaced as Ubeda again opted to remove key players during important moments. In a recent face-off against San Lorenzo, he pulled out the starting striker, a choice that raised eyebrows given the player’s significance and the hefty investment Boca made in him. Critics argue that such decisions undermine team dynamics and morale, potentially leading to Ubeda's downfall as head coach. With Boca Juniors' upcoming matches, including a visit to Unión and the start of the Copa Libertadores in three weeks, Ubeda needs to reassess his strategy to ensure both player support and successful outcomes in crucial games. The pressure is mounting, as each choice made on the pitch could determine his future with the team and their prospect in continental competitions.