About Juan Francisco Palencia

With the scarcity of Mexican coaches leading in the Liga MX, the arrival of former national football player Juan Francisco Palencia on the Pumas' bench generated hopes of seeing a new prospect emerge and vindicate Mexican coaches.

Guillermo Vázquez's Departure

After finishing in tenth place in the general table in the Clausura 2016 and being eliminated in the Quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores, Guillermo Vázquez was removed as head coach of the Pumas de la UNAM. On May 30, 2016, it was announced that Paco Palencia would take Vázquez's position.

Debut as a Coach

'El Gatillero' would make his debut as a coach with the club where he retired as a professional football player; there were high expectations regarding his performance. These expectations grew when, in his first tournament as a coach (Apertura 2016), he qualified the auriazules to the Liguilla, finishing in sixth place. Despite being defeated by Tigres in the Quarterfinals, the management decided to continue with the project.

Challenges in the Clausura 2017

In the Clausura 2017, Palencia aimed to repeat the great season he had in his coaching debut; however, things did not go as expected. He only achieved five victories in the tournament, tied three times, and lost nine matches. These results placed him in 17th place in the league, but the club decided to give him another chance.

End of Palencia's Era

The patience of the university directors, as well as the hopes of finding the vindication of Mexican coaches in Palencia, came to an end in Round 6 of the Apertura 2017, after accumulating four defeats and only two victories.

Dismissal of Palencia

After losing 2-1 to Monarcas, Pumas announced through a statement the removal of the young Mexican coach. Paco Palencia's record with 'Los del Pedregal' was 15 wins, six draws, and 19 losses.