Omar Piccoli Takes Charge of Deportivo Merlo to Pursue Promotion

Merlo, Argentina — Omar Piccoli, a long-time collaborator of Julio César Falcioni, has been appointed head coach of Deportivo Merlo. He steps in after Walter Marchesi’s departure following a goalless draw against Sportivo Dock Sud.

The club officially announced Piccoli, 60, on Thursday, marking his debut as a head coach in the Argentine football scene. With experience as Falcioni’s assistant, Piccoli aims to reorganize the team and push for ascendancy in the upcoming Torneo Clausura.

Deportivo Merlo currently sits seventh in the Primera B table with 25 points, trailing leader Ferro Carril Midland by eight points. Though chances for winning the Apertura title have diminished, the focus now shifts to the Clausura, where the goal is to secure a spot in the finals for promotion.

Piccoli will have time to strategize before his first match, as the team enjoys a week off. He is set to make his debut when they visit Sacachispas in Villa Soldati, followed by a home game against San Martín de Burzaco.

Previously, Píccoli spent years alongside Falcioni, contributing to successful stints at clubs like Banfield, Boca Juniors, and Colón de Santa Fe. This will be his first time leading a project in Argentina.

His prior head coaching experience includes time in Japan, where he guided Avispa Fukuoka to its best campaign in history. As a player, he started at River Plate and later played for several clubs, eventually retiring in Japan.

Píccoli’s coaching style, influenced by Falcioni, emphasizes tactical organization and discipline. He now faces the task of instilling confidence in a team with potential but in need of restructuring.