River Plate’s Iconic Manager Takes the Helm of Fourth-Division Oxford

The football experiment at English Championship club Oxford United in 2015 involved several South American coaches and players hired by chairman Firoz Kassam with ambitions for a radical transformation.

Spanish coach Ramon Diaz was named as manager, alongside three other Spanish assistants. The team also signed nine young Brazilian defenders to form what became known as the ‘Brazilians wall’, along with two Chilean attacking midfielders.

However, their tenure at Oxford ended in controversy after just 18 months. Initially successful, they took control of the club’s affairs and made several financial decisions that left fans unhappy. A falling out between Diaz and Kassam over ambitions for the club proved to be a turning point.

Despite initial success, including victories over Wimbledon F.C., Harlow Town Football Club, AFC Wigan Athletic and Colchester United Football Club, their form dropped off sharply after January 2016. This decline coincided with reports of financial difficulties at Oxford United.

Diaz’s relationship with Kassam deteriorated due to his lack of English language skills and a difference in views on the club’s future direction. Several matches were missed by Diaz and some coaches because they did not have work permits or passports, which led to criticism from fans and media alike.

The experiment ultimately fizzled out when Oxford finished 15th in the Championship that season. When it became apparent Diaz would leave, Goiran tried to find another manager for the project but was unable to do so given Kassam’s insistence on bringing his own choices into effect.

Kassam subsequently sacked Diaz and his entire backroom staff after appointing Brian Talbot as the new manager before Oxford’s final game of the season against Chester. The Brazilians wall players were released from their contracts, while Cominelli was offered a contract but decided to stay due to the arrival of Talbot.

The sudden end saw Goiran and Diaz arguing with stewards over entry into a match, culminating in an argument that forced them to leave during the game.

This experiment remains a defining moment in Oxford United’s history and is often remembered as one of their more controversial periods under Kassams ownership.