From Maccabi Haifa Flop to Argentine Sensation: The Rise of Diego Flores
Diego Flores, formerly of Maccabi Haifa, is turning Instituto into a sensation in the Argentine Clausura, leading their charge toward continental qualification despite losing key players.
Juan Manuel Cavagliatto became the youngest president in the history of Instituto in 2021. While his family was originally involved in the club's basketball team from Córdoba—which won the South American championship for the first time in 2023—his dream was to lead the football team to a historic continental appearance. A year later, Instituto was promoted to the top division, and now the man turning that dream into reality is none other than Diego Flores, who had a brief stint managing Maccabi Haifa at the start of last season before being dismissed and heavily criticized.
The Translator of Glory
The former translator for Marcelo Bielsa during his time in England might not have suited the Greens, but he fit Instituto like a glove. After saving them from relegation, the modest side now leads Group A in the Argentine Clausura table and ranks sixth overall, putting them on the verge of securing a Copa Sudamericana spot. Their main strength lies at the Presidente Perón Stadium in the Alta Córdoba neighborhood: Instituto is the only team in the league with a flawless home record, and their five-game winning streak is their best since 1985.
"Today many want to play with his system, but not all play it well," praise has echoed for Flores, affectionately dubbed the "Translator of Glory" by fans.
Rebuilding Without Stars
Even after losing his two top players—goalkeeper Manuel Roffo, sold to Cerro Porteño for one million dollar, and playmaker Gastón Lodico, sold to Racing Club for double that amount—Flores built a strong and surprising squad. Álex Luna received the keys as the number 10, effectively utilizing two full-backs who essentially function as attackers. The right-back, Giuliano Cerato, is the team's top scorer with four goals in 10 Clausura matches.
Despite external claims regarding referee favoritism linked to the club president's ties with AFA chief Chiqui Tapia, Flores firmly dismissed the allegations. "It is unfair to say that. We controlled our matches against all rivals and created twice as many chances. This is all thanks to the players," he stated.
