Cerro Porteño part ways with Holan, Costas emerges as top candidate
Cerro Porteño have dismissed Ariel Holan as head coach following a 2‑1 defeat to Olimpia in the Paraguayan Clausura classic, and former Racing manager Gustavo Costas is now the frontrunner to take over. The club, sitting ninth after six matches, confirmed the split despite no official statement, and local media have already reported the exit. The decision comes amid a difficult phase for the club in the Paraguay Clausura. The termination ends a tenure that began in April.
Holan's dismissal after classic defeat
Cerro Porteño terminated the contract of head coach Ariel Holan after the team fell 2‑1 to Olimpia in the Paraguayan Clausura classic. Although the club has not issued an official statement, local newspapers have already reported the departure of the former Rosario Central manager.
The club’s first option was national coach José Arrua, but the board discarded his candidacy and placed former Racing boss Gustavo Costas at the top of the shortlist.
The defeat also coincided with the exit of Argentine sports director Hernán Díaz, who left the club following the loss. The setback added to Cerro Porteño’s elimination in the Libertadores round of 16 at the hands of Palmeiras. Earlier in the competition, Holan had guided the team to a 1‑0 away victory over Palmeiras in the group stage.
Costas positioned as successor
Gustavo Costas previously led Cerro Porteño between 2005 and 2007, winning two local tournaments in 2005. He also guided Guaraní in two separate spells and managed Olimpia in 2008, giving him extensive knowledge of Paraguayan football. La Olla stadium, Cerro Porteño’s home ground, was the venue where Racing won the 2024 Sudamericana against Cruzeiro.
Costas, who coached Racing Club, is already in Asunción, reportedly accompanied by his Paraguayan wife. He will inherit a squad that includes former Racing midfielder Agustín Almendra.
Cerro Porteño currently sit ninth in the Clausura with six points from six matches, while league leaders Libertad have accumulated 15 points. The attack is anchored by Argentine striker Pablo Vegetti.