Tijuana Xolos: Frankie Oviedo Named Interim Manager With Fernando Arce As Assistant
Credit: EVT Sports
Tijuana, Mexico
Diego Cocca and the Tijuana Xolos officially parted ways this past Tuesday, and on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, Frankie Oviedo was officially appointed as the interim manager in a press conference. Tijuana native and former Xolos’ midfielder Fernando Arce will serve as Oviedo’s assistant manager, with Raziel Alba as the new physical trainer.
Oviedo had an extensive playing career from 1993-2008 that included a stint in Mexico from 2000-2007 with Club America, Puebla, Pachuca, and Necaxa. The Cali, Colombia native reached the peak of his career with Club America, where he won a Liga MX title in 2002.
The 45-year-old had been coaching in Club Tijuana’s youth academy since 2012 and was currently in charge of the U-20 team. Oviedo will likely serve as the manager just until the end of this season, as sporting director Ignacio Palou did say that he would like to keep these coaches in Xolos’ youth academy in the future.
The Aztec Canines’ new assistant manager, Fernando Arce, played in Mexico for over 15 years and was part of Xolos’ 2012 Apertura championship team. Arce was a member of the Xoloitzcuintles’ front office and did say that he does not plan on pursuing a managerial career for now.
Oviedo seemed hopeful and content with his new role and said, “There is still a glimmer of hope” to make the playoffs this season. The Colombian coach also said, “Fighting spirit and effort is not negotiable” in regard to how he will handle disciplinary issues.
Frankie Oviedo presented as the Xolos’ interim manager with Fernando Arce as his assistant. #Xolos #LigaMXeng pic.twitter.com/B8RwjViQ19
— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) October 31, 2018
The Tijuana Xolos are currently in 14th place with 16 points and would need to win all of their last three games to have any chance of making the playoffs. The Border City Dogs have two away games in this span and only have one win on the road in the past two tournaments, which is something Oviedo will need to work on if he wants to keep a permanent role for next season.
Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.