Rosario, Argentina – The situation at Newell’s Old Boys has deteriorated rapidly, culminating in a stunning 5-0 defeat to Lanús on Tuesday and the subsequent resignation of sporting director Roberto Sensini. The loss, occurring at Lanús’s La Fortaleza stadium, has plunged the club deeper into a relegation battle and sparked further questions about the team’s direction.
Newell’s has yet to secure a victory in the Apertura tournament and currently finds itself languishing at the bottom of the annual table. The team’s struggles are not merely a recent phenomenon. they represent a deepening crisis that extends beyond on-field performance and into the club’s institutional structure.
Lanús Dominates, Sensini Departs
The match against Lanús was a stark illustration of Newell’s current woes. Lanús took control early, securing a penalty in the 15th minute, converted by Walter Bou. The home side continued to press, with Ramiro Carrera hitting the crossbar shortly after. Dylan Aquino extended the lead before halftime, and Lanús continued to pile on the pressure in the second half, ultimately securing a comprehensive 5-0 victory. The scale of the defeat prompted immediate repercussions, with Roberto Sensini tendering his resignation.
Sensini’s departure comes amid widespread criticism of the club’s recruitment strategy. A dozen new players were brought in prior to the season, but none have managed to significantly impact the team’s performance. The current squad, according to reports, fails to match the quality of last year’s team, which only secured its survival in the penultimate match of the previous season.
A Team Without Direction
Newell’s struggles aren’t simply about disappointing luck or a temporary dip in form. The team appears to lack a clear identity and struggles to compete consistently. Even if other teams battling relegation also face difficulties, Newell’s must focus on its own performance to salvage the season. Currently, the club is demonstrably the worst-performing team in the league, a position earned through consistent underperformance.
The hope that a change in venue would spark a turnaround proved unfounded. The team’s inability to mount any meaningful resistance against Lanús underscored the depth of the problems facing the club. The disparity between the two sides was significant, with Lanús ultimately showing mercy by easing off the pressure in the later stages of the match, according to reports. Lanús coach Mauricio Pellegrino was seen signaling his players to slow down the pace of the game.
Frank Kudelka, who took over from the managerial duo of Orsi-Gómez, has so far been unable to turn the tide. Kudelka himself acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, stating, “We are not living up to the shirt we are wearing,” a sentiment that reflects the widespread disappointment within the club.
A Historic Low
The 5-0 defeat to Lanús is particularly concerning given Newell’s recent history. While the club suffered a similar 5-0 loss to Boca Juniors in the past, the current situation feels even more dire. The lack of progress, combined with the team’s position in the league table, paints a bleak picture for the future. Newell’s has not secured a win in the current season.
The team’s defensive vulnerabilities were particularly exposed against Lanús. The individual and collective errors were numerous, highlighting a fundamental lack of organization and discipline. This performance is more than just a cause for concern; it’s a sign that significant changes are needed if Newell’s hopes to avoid relegation.
The atmosphere surrounding the club is one of despair. Even the presence of club officials at the match in Lanús couldn’t mask the sense of disappointment and frustration. Roberto Sensini’s dejected expression spoke volumes about the gravity of the situation.
What’s Next for Newell’s?
Newell’s faces an uphill battle to escape relegation. The club’s next match is yet to be confirmed, but every game will be crucial as they attempt to climb out of the bottom of the table. The immediate priority will be to appoint a replacement for Roberto Sensini and start the process of rebuilding the squad. The club needs to find a way to instill confidence in the players and develop a clear tactical approach. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Newell’s can salvage their season or face the prospect of dropping into a lower division.
Fans will be looking for a swift and decisive response from the club’s leadership. The pressure is mounting, and the future of Newell’s Old Boys hangs in the balance.
Related reading
