Buenos Aires, December 2 (NA) – Argentine football is in mourning following the confirmation on Tuesday of the death of Santiago “El Pulga” Ezequiel Fredes, the head coach of Luján. He had been hospitalized since last Thursday at the Sanatorio Austral in Pilar after feeling unwell following a friendly match against JJ Urquiza. According to the Argentine News Agency, the former footballer was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune condition that caused muscle weakness and sensory loss. Despite being hospitalized for several days, his condition could not be reversed. Fredes had recently renewed his contract with the club, which celebrated with an emotional video. With 14 victories in 19 matches, his team was one of the tournament's biggest revelations. His connection to the club was profound: a product of Vélez's youth system, he made his professional debut for Luján in 2011 and returned several times throughout his career. He played for Flandria, Defensores Unidos, and Excursionistas before returning definitively in 2018 to retire and take up coaching. He first served as the youth coordinator before taking charge of the first team in 2021. One of the most memorable moments of his playing career was the decisive, chipped penalty in the promotion/relegation final against San Miguel in 2013, an action that saved Luján from relegation and remains etched in the fans' memory. In his official statement, Luján expressed, “El Pulga leaves an indelible mark on us as a player, coach, and mentor.” The club has suspended all activities at its headquarters. In recent weeks, Fredes had promised to pursue a “new dream” and seek the promotion that Luján has been chasing for years.
