Paco Palencia fulfills his dream of being a coach in Liga MX
Contrary to what one might think to have a chance at fulfilling his dream and being a coach of a first team in Liga MX, "Paco" Palencia dedicated himself to working for five years and waiting for the opportunity, which this time was given to him by the president of Pumas, Rodrigo Ares de Parga.
"I don't know if I opened the wallet (of coaches) or not, because right now I am here and I am very happy; Rodrigo (Ares de Parga) our president called me directly, he offered me the team," said the former forward, who expanded the pool of coaches in Mexico.
He emphasized that he had a great preparation to become a coach, as it is not enough to just be a football player and live off the experience, it is always necessary to learn more and refine details.
"Obviously we also have to prepare as coaches, just because you played a long time in the First Division doesn't mean you can already coach. You have to prepare yourself after finishing your career as a player, you have to observe different coaches, different styles of football and that's what I did," he pointed out.
"It took me five years to prepare myself and when I was ready I decided that I had to present my project, I showed it and Pumas chose me and I am happy that it was this team," he expressed.
He acknowledged that he had other offers, some as an assistant coach and others that he did not want to mention, however, when it came to Club Universidad Nacional he did not hesitate to take the call.
"I had some offers but as an assistant or other things that are not worth mentioning," said Juan Francisco Palencia, who feels like a "canterano" (homegrown player) when it comes to coaching.
"I ended my career here (as a player), they gave me the opportunity here, I was formed all over the world, and being given the opportunity here is an infinite gratitude that I will always have with Pumas," he emphasized.