Rosario, Argentina – Newell’s Old Boys, one of Argentina’s most historic football clubs, is grappling with a deepening crisis following the resignation of vocal titular Pablo Cerra, just days after the team’s disappointing first-round exit from the Copa Argentina. The resignation, announced Monday, adds to a growing list of departures from the club’s leadership, including director deportivo Roberto Sensini and technical secretary Fernando Bacci.
Cerra’s decision came immediately after Newell’s suffered a defeat against Acasusso in their Copa Argentina debut. In a statement released via social media and reported by Rosario3, Cerra offered a frank apology to the club’s supporters, describing the current state of the team as a “nefasto presente futbolístico” – a dismal sporting present.
“To all the ‘leproso’ people… First, I apologize for this dismal sporting present,” Cerra wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on March 30, 2026. “Absolutely no one imagined this reality. Since we took office, the institutional, sporting, and economic situation was calamitous, we knew it wouldn’t be easy. Nevertheless…”
A todo el pueblo leproso…En primer lugar pedir disculpas por este nefasto presente futbolístico. Nadie, absolutamente nadie imaginaba esta realidad. Desde que asumimos la calamitosa situación institucional, deportivo y económica, sabíamos que la causa no sería fácil. No obstante…
— Pablo Martin Cerra (@CerraPablo) March 30, 2026
While acknowledging the difficult circumstances upon taking office, Cerra admitted that “obvious errors” had contributed to the club’s current predicament. The resignations of Sensini and Bacci, announced in the preceding weeks, already signaled deep-seated problems within the organization. Sensini’s departure, confirmed by ESPN Argentina, followed a heavy defeat against Lanús, further highlighting the instability at the Parque Independencia stadium.
Despite stepping down from his position, Cerra publicly voiced his support for club president Ignacio Boero. “I unconditionally trust that Nacho Boero has all the qualities to put NOB [Newell’s Old Boys] in the place it deserves,” he stated, praising Boero’s “impeccable honesty” and dedication. This public backing suggests an attempt to shield the president from the full brunt of the criticism surrounding the club’s struggles.
Cerra remained tight-lipped regarding the specific reasons for his resignation, citing “particular situations” that prevented him from continuing in his role. He emphasized that his departure was not directly linked to the Copa Argentina elimination, but rather a matter of personal circumstances. He did, however, express a desire to continue contributing to the club in a non-official capacity, stating, “Newell’s needs everyone who humbly and sincerely loves the club, both those inside and those outside.”
The timing of Cerra’s resignation is particularly sensitive, coming less than four months into Boero’s tenure. The club is facing mounting pressure from supporters, with a growing sense of tension in the stands and a team that has yet to identify consistent form. The Copa Argentina exit was a significant blow, and the club’s overall performance has left fans deeply concerned.
Cerra also used his statement to highlight the presence of younger members and women in leadership positions within the club, specifically mentioning Juani Costas, Agustín Baclini, Maxi Barrionuevo, and Valeria March, whom he identified as a successor to Anna Margarita’s legacy. This nod to a changing dynamic within the club’s administration may be an attempt to project a sense of renewal amidst the turmoil.
Roberto Sensini, a former player and manager for Newell’s Old Boys, had a distinguished career, including appearances in the 1990, 1994, and 1998 FIFA World Cups with Argentina, as detailed on Wikipedia. His return to the club as director deportivo was met with optimism, but ultimately proved short-lived. His exit, along with that of Bacci and now Cerra, underscores the magnitude of the challenges facing Newell’s Old Boys.
The club’s immediate future remains uncertain. The focus will now turn to stabilizing the leadership structure and finding a way to turn around the team’s fortunes. Newell’s next challenge will be navigating the remainder of the Apertura 2026 season and attempting to avoid further setbacks. The club’s supporters will be hoping for a swift and decisive response to the current crisis.
Newell’s Old Boys will need to address the underlying issues that have led to this period of instability. The resignations of key personnel are symptomatic of a deeper malaise, and a comprehensive review of the club’s operations may be necessary to restore confidence and chart a path forward. The pressure is on president Boero to demonstrate strong leadership and deliver tangible results.
The situation at Newell’s Old Boys serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Argentine football clubs. Financial difficulties, institutional instability, and inconsistent performances are common themes, and Newell’s is the latest example of a club struggling to overcome these obstacles. The club’s supporters will be hoping that the current crisis can serve as a catalyst for positive change.
Newell’s will face a crucial period in the coming weeks as they attempt to regroup and prepare for their next fixture. The club’s ability to address the issues that have led to this crisis will be critical to their success in the long term. The ‘leproso’ faithful will be watching closely, hoping to observe a return to the glory days of this historic institution.
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