Former FC Porto captain and a figure etched into the club`s modern history, Lucho González, is reportedly making preparations for a return to the northern Portuguese city. This potential comeback sees `El Comandante,` as he was known during his decorated playing spells, set to transition into a technical role, specifically as an assistant coach within the staff of the newly appointed head coach, Francesco Farioli.
González is currently operating in a similar capacity, serving as an assistant to Eduardo Coudet at Spanish La Liga side Alavés. However, reliable reports indicate that the Argentine midfielder has taken steps towards negotiating his release from his current contractual obligations with the Basque club. This administrative step is necessary to clear the path for his proposed move back to the Estádio do Dragão setup.
According to timelines circulating, Lucho González is anticipated to arrive at the club`s Olival training complex sometime on Friday. This timing aligns directly with the scheduled commencement of the first team`s pre-season training camp. His presence from the outset of preparations would allow immediate integration and collaboration with Coach Farioli and the rest of the technical team.
The prospect of González returning to the club was previously addressed by FC Porto`s recently elected president, André Villas-Boas. Villas-Boas publicly acknowledged the club`s interest in bringing back the former skipper, concurrently emphasizing that securing an agreement for his release from Alavés was a prerequisite for any such move to materialize. He noted that should negotiations prove unsuccessful, the club would then explore alternative candidates for the assistant coaching position. The current reports suggest the process is moving towards a positive conclusion, indicating that the desire on all sides might indeed find a `good port` – a pun on Porto`s name that is perhaps too obvious to ignore in these circumstances.
Should his return be finalized, Lucho González brings not only his tactical understanding and coaching experience gained elsewhere but also an invaluable connection to the club`s culture and a significant rapport with the fanbase. His integration into Farioli`s staff represents a blend of new tactical direction under the Italian coach and the reinforcement of institutional memory and identity provided by a club legend.
