“Batistuta’s Huracán: Beauty, Fire… and Fragility”
By Mateo Ledesma, Senior Correspondent
When Club Atlético Huracán appointed Gabriel Omar Batistuta as manager, the footballing world raised its eyebrows. One of Argentina’s greatest ever forwards, Batigol, the ruthless finisher, the warrior, the icon, back in domestic football, but this time on the touchline, not spearheading the attack.
Now ten matches into his reign, the verdict is becoming clearer:
Huracán are playing some of the most exciting, expressive, Menottista football in the country, but they are also on the edge of collapse defensively.
Batistuta has created a unique blend of old-school romanticism and modern attacking structure, yet the dream he’s building hangs delicately in balance.
A SYSTEM OF COURAGE: MENOTTI’S SHADOW IN PARQUE PATRICIOS
From day one, Batistuta promised an identity.
Not reactive football. Not pragmatism.
But football with soul.
His Huracán side looks unmistakably inspired by César Luis Menotti’s principles, possession, width, fluidity and positional bravery. Every match feels like a manifesto.
And the numbers support the eye test:
ATTACKING: ELECTRIC, FEARLESS, RELENTLESS
Huracán are, statistically, one of the most aggressive attacking units in the league.
Scoring & Creativity
- 2.0 goals per game
- 1.8 npxG per game
- Overperforming xG by +2.48
- 16.9 shots per match (most in the league)
- 47.9% shots on target
- 17.6 dribbles per 90
Batistuta’s side shoot fast, shoot early, shoot often.
They dribble, combine, and push numbers forward with conviction.
Possession & Penetration
- 91.1% pass completion
- 20.8% cross completion
- Most fouled team in the league (12.1 per match)
That “most fouled” statistic stands out.
Not because Huracán are victims but because fouling them is the only way most teams can slow them down.
Opponents rarely get close enough to press without resorting to physicality.
Verdict on Attack
This is where Batistuta’s identity shines brightest.
Huracán attack in waves, with structure but also freedom.
The positional rotations are fluid, the wingers isolate defenders, the midfielders create superiorities everywhere.
In simple terms: Huracán play football that fills stadiums.
DEFENSIVE FRAILTY: THE BEAUTIFUL GLASS HOUSE
For all the brilliance going forward, the cracks at the back are alarming.
Conceding & Structure
- 1.7 goals conceded per match (worst in league)
- Despite this Huracán concede the lowest number of chances in the division.
An incredible contradiction.
They are statistically the leakiest defence despite facing fewer shots than anyone else, which means:
When Huracán concede a shot, it is too easy and too dangerous.
Pressing & Defensive Work
- 20.1 PPDA against (below league average pressing intensity)
- 87.8 final-third passes allowed per game
- 59 defensive actions per match (league average is 67)
- Fewest tackles attempted in the league
- Highest tackle success percentage in the league
- 2nd lowest clearances and blocks
This paints a very clear picture:
Huracán don’t defend often,
but when they do defend, they defend well individually yet the collective system breaks down too easily.
It is structural, not effort-based.
They dominate the ball, push high, but leave too much space in defensive transitions and too many gaps between lines. One accurate pass can undo everything.
THE IDENTITY: BEAUTIFUL, BUT UNSUSTAINABLE
Batistuta has built an identity worthy of admiration:
Attacking, inclusive, brave, aesthetically pure.
But unless Huracán solve their defensive issues, this spectacular football becomes a house of cards waiting for a gust of wind.
The fans can feel it.
The staff can feel it.
Even Batistuta, in his press conferences, hints at it, praising the aggression but lamenting the lapses that undo the work.
WHAT MUST IMPROVE — TACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS
To stabilise this exciting project, Huracán must address:
1. Defensive Transition Resilience
Huracán lose their defensive shape the moment possession is lost.
Improvements:
- A dedicated rest-defence structure (3+2 shape behind the ball)
- Fullbacks more conservative when both wingers attack
- Staggered midfield so passing lanes cannot be broken with one vertical ball
2. Concentration in Key Phases
Huracán concede in clusters (two- or three-minute collapses).
This is mental fatigue, not tactical.
Solutions:
- Improve communication between centre-backs and No. 6
- Encourage controlled tempo after scoring
- Match-state management training
3. Reduce Soft Turnovers
Many goals come from:
- Misplaced passes in build-up
- Being caught dwelling on the ball
Solutions:
- Clearer exit patterns
- Rotating the pivot quicker
- Encouraging the goalkeeper to play earlier when pressed
4. Defensive Box Occupation
Huracán don’t block or clear enough crosses or cutbacks.
Solutions:
- One midfielder MUST drop into the back line earlier
- Drills for defensive positioning in the box
- Less aggressive line when under heavy pressure
5. Improve Conversion Rate
Despite attacking excellence, they are only 6th in shot conversion.
Huracán would already be leading the league with sharper finishing.
Solutions:
- Focused chance-creation on high xG zones rather than volume
- Adjusting striker roles
- More work on late runs into the box from midfield
THE FUTURE: BATISTUTA’S ART VS ARGENTINE FOOTBALL’S REALITY
There is magic in what Batistuta is building.
Huracán play football that makes children fall in love with the sport.
Football that honours Menotti.
Football that brings life to Parque Patricios.
But Argentine football is unforgiving.
And without defensive evolution, this masterpiece may remain unfinished.
Still, there is a feeling,quiet but growing that if Batistuta can solve the instability, Huracán might become one of the most frightening teams in the league.
Not just beautiful.
Not just brave.
But complete.
Until then, we watch the chaos, the elegance, the heartbreak and the hope…
And we wait to see whether Batistuta can turn fire into glory.
Mateo Ledesma, Revista Fútbol Federal
The Gaffers Lounge 
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