Basile takes charge at Racing Club

Alfio Basile has already identified the retention of striker Teofilo Gutierrez as his first priority after taking of as Racing Club de Avellaneda.

The veteran coach confirmed on Monday that he has agreed in principle to take over from Diego Simeone, who resigned last week to take over at Atletico Madrid.

Basile will sign a one-year contract on Thursday as he takes over at Racing Club for the fourth time in his managerial career.

Already looking to the future, the 68-year-old affirmed that he was keen to keep Gutierrez at El Cilindro.

The Colombian has expressed his desire to leave the club and has attracted strong interest from Fiorentina, but the coach asserted Gutierrez could have the best six months of his career if he stayed put.

“Of course I want to have him. With me at his side he will score 15 goals and after that we will sell him,” the former Argentina coach told Telam, adding that he will meet with Teo in a last-ditch attempt to change his mind.

“I am not a fool, he is a brilliant player. I have to talk with him, see what the situation is; if he is going to Fiorentina or wherever they say he is going.”

As a player Basile was part of the Racing team that lifted the 1966 Copa Libertadores and the 1967 Intercontinental Cup, defeating Celtic.

His first stint as manager of the club was in 1978, and he has since worked at Boca Juniors, Atletico Madrid, and with the Argentine national team.