Universitario de Deportes announced, in mid-December 2022, the arrival of the new coach for the women's team: John Tierradentro. The Colombian, who previously played for Sport Boys between 1999 and 2000, left his position as assistant coach at Deportivo Cali to take over as coach at 'U'.
Mario Janer, fitness coach, came with him, but Jhon Ortiz, head of the team, was hired by the classic rival of the cream team, Alianza Lima. About that and more, the new technical director of the merengue squad spoke with RPP Noticias.
How did your arrival at Universitario de Deportes happen?
The opportunity arose through conversations with some executives. I have contact with Jean Ferrari, we played together at some point (2003 at América de Cali) and the opportunity to join the coaching staff of the women's team arose. I come accompanied by Mario, fitness coach. Both of us were part of the coaching staff at Deportivo Cali in Colombia. This approach was made and we did not hesitate to take on the challenge.
And professor Jhon, who was the coach, goes to Alianza. Who received the offer first?
That is what we should ask each other. It came so fast that we were excited about the opportunity of international football. (With John) We are colleagues, work friends, we will have to face each other, but we will do it with total seriousness.
Have you already talked about what the classic match will be like?
We had the opportunity to talk in Colombia, not yet here. We know the respect that must be shown to both institutions. It seems unprecedented to us. We didn't know we were going to reach the classic. When we found out, we were surprised. We take it very professionally. We are happy because it is an opportunity for each one of us. We have already done it together and now it is our turn to separate, but friendship and affection will always be there.
Is knowing each other a plus or a disadvantage?
It is a challenge because we know what each one likes. We have to move pieces on the playing field to gain an advantage. In women's football, we have systems that we have always used. He knows my strengths, I know his, and also weaknesses. We are calm.
Why leave Colombia, which is ahead in women's football compared to Peru?
I like progress, development, being included in those processes. I think it was a challenge to make the decision with our fitness coach because we know how Peruvian women's football is. We want to do important things that mark a milestone. We are not ones to believe that we have achieved everything, we come with the same enthusiasm. Just as we did in Colombian football because we are in the process of promotion, we want women's football to also grow and be at a good level in South American football.