Quiroz, 37, had resigned because the players did not respond to his tactics and way of thinking, saying his decision was"irrevesible" after the team's 1-0 defeat by Arsenal on Saturday; the third day of play in the Argentine closing tournament.

Marin said that he had spoken to Reinaldo Merlo, a former star player in the club, who helped Racing become champion in 2001, after 35 years without local titles.

"Merlo told me it was not the right time for him to come to Racing. I thought that this would be another great opportunity for him... but I believe he is not in the right state of mind for it, after all that happened," in River Plate at the start of the year,said Marin.

Merlo resigned from"the millionaires", as the River Plate teamis known, after star player Marcelo Gallardo told him that he would go because he disagreed with Merlo's tactics and training methods, a sentiment shared by the rest of the River Plate squad.

Marin said that he would meet the other managers of the club Monday evening, to decide if Alberto Fanesi, managing secretary of the club, could step in as manager until Racing can find a replacement.

Quiroz, a Racing players between 1993 and 1999, took the post of manager in October last year, leaving Instituto in the lurch. He was replacing Guillermo Rivarola, who resigned when the club was hitting trouble and was in 10th spot in the league. Quiroz lead Racing to four victories, three draws and seven losses. Enditem