Martin Demichelis cultivated a reputation during his playing career for boasting dominant aerial ability, terrific reading of the game - and a luscious head of hair.
The former Manchester City's tactical acumen apparently remains, but the iconic brunette barnet is no more. It was during the height of his career with Bayern Munich that Demichelis first earned attention for his hairstyle of choice, parading shaved sides with shoulder-length locks on top.
The Argentinian would often slick his mane back into a ponytail to make any hair-hungry head envious, but a more contemporary cut has taken over during his days in charge of River Plate.
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After replacing club legend Marcelo Gallardo at the helm at the start of 2023, the suited-up strategist has looked the part following his switch into management. Demichelis' only previous experience as a head coach came with Bayern Munich's reserves, having previously served as assistant at another of his former clubs, Malaga.
The transition has been a raging success based on this season's results thus far, with the Buenos Aires giants sat top of the Primera Division. River Plate's new commander in chief adopted a more clean-cut look late on in his playing career and has only embraced the transformation more so as a manager.
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And many will agree Demichelis looks more Debonaire with a more regimented rug, even boasting a touch of the silver fox thanks to some well-placed greys. River Plate's success this season has made for stress-free viewing, with the manager on track to add to the two Clausura titles he won with the club as a player.
It should come as no surprise that, given his history, River Plate's resilient defence is one of the finest in South America so far this season. That being said, the 42-year-old has earned rave reviews for promoting a forward-first style of play that affords his players the freedom to chase attacking opportunities when they arise.
Demichelis is sure to tune in when Man City face Inter Milan on Saturday in the hopes of finally ending their search for a Champions League title. The former centre-back left the Etihad Stadium the same summer Pep Guardiola arrived at the club but is making a success of life as a manager despite missing that experience.
Given the strategist's knack for taking over teams he once represented as a player, it may be only a matter of time before Demichelis is back at City in a different capacity - either as friend or foe.
