After the blow of losing Qatar 2022 with experienced Reinaldo Rueda in charge of the Colombian national team, the Football Federation is not standing still. In fact, the sports entity led by Ramón Jesurún has already started the analysis and screening process to find the new coach, thinking about the new process.
So, according to experienced journalist Carlos Antonio Vélez, about 120 resumes arrived at the offices of the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) with profiles of potential coaches. "There are only three names to lead the team", detailed the journalist in his editorial called Planeta Fútbol.
Among them, there is a coach who currently works in Peruvian football: Néstor Lorenzo. The 56-year-old coach has been in charge of Melgar's first team since last season. Before signing with the Arequipa team, the Argentinean had a close connection with the 'cafeteros', as he was part of José Pékerman's coaching staff, who led them to Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018.
"He has no relation at all with Pékerman and he is coaching Melgar", commented Vélez about the professional from the 'Rojinegros'. Lorenzo, who is fighting for the title in Liga 1 and the pass to the round of 16 in the Copa Sudamericana (he plays against Racing Club in Argentina on Wednesday), was an assistant coach for the national team between 2012 and 2018. From that, the possibility arises.
The other candidates
Matías Almeyda, another Argentine coach, is a name that is mentioned for the Colombian national team. While the other one, according to the mentioned source, will be in the Qatar 2022 World Cup, but his name remains confidential because his contract ends at the end of the tournament that takes place from November 21st to December 18th.
"Matías Almeyda; who I don't see with much desire. He has no experience, but his resume is interesting", expressed the Colombian journalist about the 'Pelado', who recently left San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer. Although, the former Chivas coach is about to finalize a deal with AEK Athens in the Greek league.
And regarding the 'incognito' coach, who will be at the next World Cup, the FCF board will look for him as soon as his current agreement ends to offer him the position and, of course, the attractive project that aims at the 2024 Copa América, the qualifiers, and the 2026 World Cup.