Reinaldo Merlo
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Reinaldo Carlos Merlo | ||
| Date of birth | 20 May 1950 | ||
| Place of birth | Buenos Aires, Argentina | ||
| Playing position | Defensive midfielder | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1969–1984 | River Plate | 526 | (11) |
| Teams managed | |||
| 1986–1987 | Los Andes | ||
| 1989–1990 | River Plate | ||
| 1991 | Argentina U20 | ||
| 1993 | Argentina U17 | ||
| 1995 | Bolívar | ||
| 1998 | Deportes Temuco | ||
| 1998–1999 | Chacarita Juniors | ||
| 1999 | Atlético Nacional | ||
| 2000 | Belgrano | ||
| 2001–2002 | Racing Club | ||
| 2004–2005 | Estudiantes LP | ||
| 2005–2006 | River Plate | ||
| 2006–2007 | Racing Club | ||
| 2008 | Barcelona SC | ||
| 2009 | Rosario Central | ||
| 2013 | Douglas Haig | ||
| 2013–2014 | Racing Club | ||
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. |
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Reinaldo Carlos Merlo (born 20 May 1950) is an Argentine football coach and former player, who played as a midfielder.
Known as Mostaza (mustard) because of his off-blond hair, Merlo played his entire career for Club Atlético River Plate as a defensive midfielder. He was part of the midfield that conquered a string of championships under coach Ángel Labruna between 1975 and 1981, the others being Juan José López and Norberto Alonso.
Merlo was, together with goalkeeper Ubaldo Fillol and defender Daniel Passarella, the backbone of that team. River, nonetheless, purchased several players to fill in Merlo's position, because he was considered a great defender, but a liability once the team got the ball. Among them were Ramiro Pérez, Chamaco Rodríguez, Della Savia, Cierra, Carranza, Pitarch, de los Santos, and Américo Gallego, who ultimately earned Merlo's position. Before retirement, Merlo mentored an up-and-coming midfielder: Néstor Gorosito. Both Gallego and Gorosito have since met Merlo as rival coaches.
Merlo made over 500 appearances for River. He won seven titles during his time at the club and made 42 appearances in the Superclasico, more than any other player in history.
After the end of his playing career, Merlo studied for an official coach matriculation, and proceeded to train several smaller teams until offered the position of coach at River Plate in 1989, together with Alonso. Merlo and Alonso were dismissed in mid-season after new club president Davicce made good on an election promise to bring Passarella as coach; the team won the championship title, and fans gave Merlo credit for a big part of that success.
In 1999, Merlo commanded Atlético Nacional of Colombia during the first half of the season; albeit successful, his managerial choices proved unpopular, and he resigned from his position. He was subsequently replaced by Luis Fernando Suarez, who would eventually win the tournament. Fans later gave credit to Merlo for his part on the title.
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