FC Porto has officially announced the return of a beloved figure to the Estádio do Dragão, confirming that Argentine midfielder Lucho González will be joining the club`s technical staff. “El Comandante,” as he is affectionately known by supporters, is set to take on the role of assistant coach under the leadership of new head coach Francesco Farioli.
This appointment marks a significant moment for the club, blending a familiar face with a fresh coaching perspective. Lucho González is deeply ingrained in FC Porto`s recent history, having enjoyed two successful spells as a player. He first donned the blue and white jersey between 2006 and 2008, making a considerable impact, before returning for a second stint from 2011 to 2013. Across these periods, González featured in a total of 241 matches for the Dragons, contributing significantly to numerous title triumphs and becoming a true fan favourite.
Since retiring from his illustrious playing career, the Argentine has been building his experience on the touchline. His coaching journey includes spells as an assistant at Brazilian clubs Athletico Paranaense and Internacional de Porto Alegre. He then took on a head coach role at Ceará, showcasing his ambition to lead. More recently, he served as an assistant to compatriot Eduardo Coudet at Alavés in Spain`s La Liga, gaining valuable insight from another demanding European league. His return to Porto sees him bring this diverse coaching background back to the club where he achieved so much success as a player.
The official announcement also provided a glimpse into the composition of Francesco Farioli`s technical team for the upcoming 2025/26 season. Lucho González`s inclusion is a prominent feature, signalling the club`s intention to integrate individuals with a strong connection to Porto`s identity while embracing a new coaching philosophy. The technical staff lineup is confirmed as follows:
FC Porto Technical Staff 2025/26
- Osman Kul (Analyst)
- Diogo Almeida (Goalkeeper Coach)
- Lucho González (Assistant Coach)
- Lino Godinho (Assistant Coach)
- Francesco Farioli (Head Coach)
- Dave Vos (Assistant Coach)
- Callum Walsh (Fitness Coach)
- Iñaki Ulloa (Goalkeeper Coach)
Lucho`s return is more than just a coaching appointment; it`s a narrative fitting for a club steeped in tradition and success. Bringing back a figure who understands the demands, the passion, and the winning culture of FC Porto could provide a crucial link between the squad and the new head coach. It`s a move that will undoubtedly resonate with the fanbase, perhaps adding a layer of emotional energy to the technical setup. Whether “El Comandante” can translate his command on the pitch to effective guidance from the dugout, particularly in assisting a relatively young head coach like Farioli, remains to be seen. But for now, the sight of Lucho González back in the club`s colours, albeit in a different capacity, is a welcome one for many at the Dragão.
