Efraín Juárez is set to return to his roots as he has been appointed the new head coach of Pumas, following the dismissal of Gustavo Lema. The announcement came hot on the heels of Pumas’ disappointing 4-2 loss to Xolos de Tijuana, leading to Lema parting ways with the club after just three wins out of nine games this season. Raúl Alpízar was temporarily assigned as the interim coach, dealing with the team as the management scrambled to find Lema's replacement. Juárez, 37, has emerged as the leading candidate, having previously enjoyed success as the coach of Atlético Nacional de Colombia, where he accomplished the remarkable feat of winning both the league and the Copa Colombia within just six months.
According to reports from multiple outlets, Juárez particularly stood out among the candidates considered by the management. Initially, Jaime Lozano, the former Mexican national team coach, was seen as the front-runner. Still, Juárez’s proven record has made him the favored choice to lead Pumas back to glory and stability. The UNAM club confirmed Lema’s dismissal on social media, indicating there was mutual agreement for his exit, and swiftly shifted its focus to securing Juárez’s return to the institution where he began his career.
Juárez debuted at Pumas on July 27, 2008, and was part of the Mexican national team at the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa. His footballing career also included stints at clubs like Celtic FC, Real Zaragoza, and the MLS team Vancouver Whitecaps. After concluding his player career, he briefly led Atlético Nacional to unprecedented heights, marking his first experience as head coach.
The management of Pumas hopes Juárez can revive the struggling side. Following the loss to the Xolos, the team had slipped to 12th place on the Liga MX standings, making his task to instill competitiveness and drive even more significant. Sources close to Juárez indicated he has been engaged with Pumas’ directive to finalize the terms of his appointment, with expectations high for instilling discipline and promoting attacking football.
While no official announcement has been made, he is expected to be on the bench for the upcoming match against Alajuelense for the Concacaf Champions Cup. Before Juárez’s formal induction, Alpízar will oversee the team during its immediate challenges, which includes the match against Chivas on March 1, 2025. This will not be Alpízar's first interlude with the first team, having previously stepped up as interim coach during the Clausura 2023 season after another managerial change.
David Faitelson, a prominent sports analyst, remarked on the significance of Juárez’s return to Pumas, stating, “Efraín has everything to gain and nothing to lose.” Faitelson emphasized the importance of embracing opportunities, urging Juárez to seize the moment. Recognizing the challenges posed by the current roster, Faitelson acknowledged the depth of talent Juárez managed at Atlético Nacional, contrasting it with what he might currently face at Pumas.
The anticipation surrounding Juárez's hiring also raises questions about the future strategies Pumas will deploy, especially with several other managerial candidates temporarily sidelined, such as Juan Reynoso. Though these names have been floated, Juárez's familiarity with the club’s culture and previous success makes him the most appealing choice to lead Pumas through the remainder of the Clausura 2025 season and their ambitions on the international stage.
With expectations high and pressure mounting on the new manager, Juárez returns to Pumas’ fold, tasked with restoring the pride of the universe's favorite football school. His initial matches as head coach will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, eager to see how he implements his vision and strategies to revive the team’s competitiveness.