Patricio Hernández

Patricio Hernández, born on August 16, 1956, is a distinguished Argentine football coach and former player, renowned for his skillful play as an attacking midfielder. He began his professional career in 1974 with Estudiantes de La Plata, a club that would later see him return as a manager. His talent quickly shone through, particularly his precise shooting ability, leading to a significant transfer to Torino F.C. in 1982 for a record fee that bolstered Estudiantes' roster, contributing to their championship victories in 1982 and 1983.

Hernández's prowess on the field earned him a spot in the Argentine squad for the 1982 FIFA World Cup, where he was selected as a third-choice creative midfielder behind legends Diego Maradona and José Daniel Valencia. Although he did not see any action during the tournament, his career continued to flourish in Italy, where he played for Torino for two seasons before joining Ascoli.

In 1985, Hernández returned to Argentina to play for River Plate, where he was instrumental in the team's triumph in the Copa Libertadores in 1986. His journey continued with stints at Argentinos Juniors, Cruz Azul in Mexico, and a return to Argentinos Juniors before concluding his playing career with Huracán and Instituto in 1993.

Transitioning to coaching, Hernández faced challenges in his managerial career, leading teams such as Estudiantes and Racing Club, primarily in South America, including Ecuador. His brief tenure as coach of Club Atlético Banfield in 2007 ended after a disappointing home defeat. Beyond coaching, he has made a name for himself as a respected football commentator for Argentine sports network Torneos y Competencias, where he provides in-depth tactical analysis.

Hernández's family also boasts athletic talent; his nephew, Juan Martín Hernández, is a celebrated figure in rugby union, while his niece, María de la Paz Hernández, represents Argentina in field hockey, showcasing the family's diverse sporting legacy.