Miguel ‘Piojo’ Herrera spoke about the arrival of Efraín Juárez to Atlético Nacional: “You have to say yes to a great team from South America”

The historic Mexican coach spoke about the possibility of Juárez becoming a coach in Colombia – credit Jesús Aviles / Infobae

Following the departure of Uruguayan coach Pablo Repetto, Atlético Nacional has begun to work towards the hiring of its new sports leader for the continuation of the Betplay League and the Colombian Cup in the remainder of 2024.

On the list of possible replacements for the Verdolaga helmsman, the name of the Mexican coach, Efraín Juárez, entered on August 27, 2024. That is why, the program El alargue, from Caracol Radio, spoke with the historic Mexican soccer coach Miguel el Piojo Herrera.

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The Mexican is said to be one of the candidates to lead Atlético Nacional – credit Efrain Juárez / EFE

In the conversation he had with the program, Herrera spoke about the Mexican coach’s personal characteristics: “He has a good personality, he is a guy with character. I don’t know what he will be like as a coach, I hope he does very well. I have followed his career as an assistant, he was in the MLS and he has a lot of desire, wishes and is well prepared. The doors are opening for him in a club as important as Atlético Nacional, it would be extraordinary for him and for future Mexican coaches who can come to Colombian football.”

Javier Mascherano and Efraín Juárez at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa – credit Francisco Estrada/LatinContent/Getty Images

It should also be remembered that Juárez had the opportunity to play football at a professional level, which is why Herrera spoke about it on the program: “You realize that some players have the ability to read the games and speak on the field. Efra had traits of that. At América de México there were many leaders and important players. When he retired he began to work as a technical assistant, news that made me very happy, because he was already on the path to prepare as a coach. He is a coach with a lot of knowledge.” recalled Herrera who had the opportunity to manage Juárez when he was a player.

“It will certainly put a lot of pressure on him, but I’m sure that if he is prepared, he will do well. These opportunities cannot be missed, especially in a team as important as Nacional. To manage a big team in South America and in the world of football, you have to say yes to him,” said Herrera on the Caracol Radio program and about the importance of managing a team like Atlético Nacional.

He also added that for a Mexican in South America it would be important because it would open many doors in general: “It is a different market, but the South American market opens many doors because the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana are played there,” concluded El Piojo Herrera in his talk with Caracol Radio’s Alargue.

In this way, Miguel Herrera gives Atlético Nacional the green-collar player Efraín Juárez a thumbs up for consideration on the list of candidates to lead the team, so it is expected that in the next few days it will be decided who will lead one of the most important teams in Colombian professional football.

The experienced strategist has had success both locally and internationally when he was a player and now in his role as coach he hopes to continue on the same path – credit Jesús Avilés / Infobae

The Verdolaga team will play against Jaguares de Córdoba in Montería starting at 5 p.m. for the 8th matchday of the BetPlay League on August 31, 2024. This is how the matchday will be played:

Jaguares of Cordoba vs. Jaguares of Cordoba National Athletic – Jaraguay Stadium, Monterrey – 5:00 pm

Boyacá Chicó vs. Fortaleza – La Independencia Stadium, Tunja – 8:00 p.m.

Atlético Bucaramanga vs. Deportes Tolima – Americo Jose Montanini Stadium, Bucaramanga – 3:00 p.m.

Millionaires vs. Patriots – Bello Horizonte Stadium – King Pele, Villavicencio-5:10 pm

Junior de Barranquilla vs. Independiente Santa Fe – Roberto Melendez Metropolitan Stadium, Barranquilla – 7:20 p.m.

Deportivo Pereira vs. Once Caldas – Hernan Ramirez Villegas Stadium, Pereira – 6:00 p.m.

Deportivo Cali vs. Deportivo Pasto – Cali Sports Stadium, Palmira – 8:00 p.m.