Sergio Ramos has already made an impact in Liga MX following his arrival at CF Monterrey, but the team has fallen short of expectations in the first half of the season. Amid growing speculation surrounding head coach Martin Demichelis’ future, reports suggest Ramos could reunite with a former Real Madrid manager ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Ramos joined Monterrey after the season had already started and has helped the team to a solid 6-2-1 record across nine appearances. However, an early exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup at the hands of the Vancouver Whitecaps and a 7th-place finish in the Clausura standings have put pressure on the club and its coaching staff.
Now set to compete in the Liga MX play-in round to keep their Clausura title hopes alive, Monterrey may be preparing for a coaching change. Following reports of internal tension, including a reported conflict with team star Sergio Canales, Demichelis’ status appears increasingly uncertain—especially with the Club World Cup approaching.
According to multiple Mexican outlets, Demichelis is expected to step down once Monterrey concludes its Clausura campaign, and the club is eyeing Julen Lopetegui as his replacement. Recently dismissed by West Ham United, Lopetegui is said to be open to the move and could take over in time to prepare for the Club World Cup.
Lopetegui previously coached Ramos with the Spanish national team from 2016 to 2018 and had a brief stint with him at Real Madrid in 2018, though he was let go after just 14 matches due to poor results. Now unattached, the two could reunite in Mexico to lead Monterrey on a global stage.
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Demichelis responds to exit rumors
Martin Demichelis is navigating a turbulent period at Monterrey, particularly in light of the growing speculation about his future. Following the team’s 2–0 victory over Club Leon, the Argentine coach addressed the rumors head-on in his post-match press conference.
“Where are these rumors coming from? They’re just rumors, and I’m not going to worry about rumors. There are tons of rumors in the world, and honestly, if it doesn’t concern me—if it’s something external and beyond my reach—then no,” Demichelis stated.
He went on to emphasize his commitment to the club and players despite the noise: “Life is today. I’m very happy where I am, giving my all to the club and the players. You’ve seen we’ve played some important matches… I don’t live off rumors, I live off facts, and anything hypothetical doesn’t help me—I don’t get caught up in that kind of stuff.”
Monterrey will face Pachuca in the Liga MX play-in round after finishing 7th in the regular-season standings. While the team remains in contention for the 2025 Clausura title, multiple reports suggest Demichelis is expected to part ways with the club at the end of the tournament—regardless of the outcome.
