Hernán Manrique has died: Reserve Vélez’s manager suffered decompensation before a match and suffered a heart attack on his way to hospital

Died Hernan “Palito” Manriqueremembered former footballer and now coach of Reservation From Velez together with Marcelo Bravo. The unfortunate episode originated in the preview of the match that Fortín had to face against Racing, this morning from 11 at the Liniers club’s Villa Olímpica. As confirmed by the institution in a message on its social networks, the coach suffered a heart attack in the ambulance that was taking him to the hospital.

Manrique, nicknamed “Stick“, he allegedly started feeling sick during the technical interview and was treated by the doctors who were on site, who decided to transfer him to a clinic. “His chest hurt a bit and it was decided not to enter the field, nothing more,” commented later Pedro Larraquy, technical secretary of the juniors, still in shock.

The reserve match between Vélez and Racing began to argue but was suspended at half-time once the sad news of the TD’s death broke, shocking everyone in the Olympic Village.

“We couldn’t believe it, it was crazy to break the news to the boys. We are bad because he was a very good professional and person, a barbaric boy. Always happy and dedicated to his work, always trying to make his Reserve fight up front,” he said Larraquy, visibly moved.

“It is with immense pain that we regret to announce the recent death of Hernán Manrique, one of the Reserve coaches who passed decompensation before the game and suffered cardiac arrest on his way to the hospital. Goodbye, Palito,” wrote Vélez as soon as the painful news was learned episode.

Manrique, 49, had a long playing career in Argentine football, and is best remembered for integrating the side of all boys champion in 1993 (he turned 30 in April). Palito’s name became even more popular when a few years after that consecration he made the decision to play new chicago, historic rival of Albo in promotion football, with whom he managed to climb the First Division. He has also played soccer for Ecuador, Unión, Huracán and Chacarita, among other teams.

He has been defined as a right midfielder with a lot of pace, judgment and intelligence, which made him see a great virtue for dedicating himself to technical management. After having celebrated with All Boys and repeated with Chicago, he rose again but with the shirt of Belgrano de Córdoba, in 1999.

During his coaching days, he dedicated himself to nurturing youth, making his mark in lower leagues at Vélez and this season has taken charge of the Reserves alongside Marcelo Bravo, another ex-footballer who has had to quit his football career at a very young age due to heart problems. The team, which experienced heartbreaking scenes this morning after learning of DT’s death, the top gear of the current Projection Tournament.

Last February, Manrique and Bravo had to lead the first team of Vélez after the departure of Cacique Medina, obtaining one of the few victories obtained by Fortín in this professional league, visiting Talleres de Córdoba. Once the arrival of Ricardo Gareca was finalised, the duo returned to lead the Reserve.

There is currently no information on a possible rescheduling of the Professional League match between Racing and Vélez which is expected to be played at night in Avellaneda, although it has emerged that Liniers would have asked for the match to be postponed given the impact Manrique’s death has got on the club.