Colombian football is reveling in the unexpected success of Efraín Juárez, the newly appointed head coach of Atlético Nacional, who has taken the reins of the team and astonishingly guided them to triumphs within weeks. Juárez, who had little experience coaching at the professional level before this season, shocked many by clinching both the Liga and Copa titles, making history as the second non-South American coach to achieve such feats in Colombia.
On December 22, 2024, Atlético Nacional faced Deportes Tolima in the final, where they secured victory with a score of 2-0, culminating in a 3-1 aggregate win over the season. The match took place at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium, filled with 44,000 ecstatic fans. Goals from Alfredo Moleros and Andrés Felipe Román solidified their championship status, with both goals scored during the first half of the match.
Juárez’s rise to prominence as the head coach began when he took the position at the club in August 2024. Many were surprised by Atlético Nacional's decision to hire Juárez, who was relatively unknown back home in Mexico, where coaching opportunities for Mexican nationals have become scarce. The League MX trend of hiring foreign coaches led Juárez to embrace the challenge abroad.
Reflecting on the situation for Mexican coaches, Juárez expressed dismay during his pre-final interview, stating, "That foreign coaches come with no knowledge, receive trust and time, but Mexicans do not, seems painful to me." This comment underlines the challenges faced by domestic coaches within the Mexican football scene, where, at the time, only three Mexican coaches were managing teams, showing the severe lack of opportunities.
David Faitelson, sports commentator for TUDN, weighed in on Juárez's meteoric success by emphasizing the scarce representation of Mexican coaches, remarking, "En menos de 5 meses, Efraín Juárez es Campeón de Liga y de Copa en el futbol colombiano…Aquí, los entrenadores mexicanos 'no existen.'" His words reflect the disappointment felt by many about the current state of coaching within Liga MX.
Juárez’s tactical decisions during the final and throughout the season played significant roles in Atlético Nacional’s success. The team showcased depth, featuring several players with experience from Liga MX, including William Tesillo, Juan Felipe Aguirre, and Edwin Cardona, who all had notable tenures with various Mexican clubs before contributing to Nacional's championship run.
The victory marks Atlético Nacional's 18th league title and secures their place in the Copa Libertadores for 2025. For Juárez and the team, this sets the stage for potential continental glory, as they aim to replicate the triumphs of their predecessors, particularly the successful campaign of 2016.
Juárez’s achievements have initiated conversations about the recognition of Mexican coaches on international stages, and if the success continues, it may pave the way for more opportunities back home. The final against Tolima not only crowned Atlético Nacional champions but also underlined Juárez's potential as not just a coach, but as a beacon of hope for Mexican football at large.
Looking forward to the Copa Libertadores, Efraín Juárez’s leadership will be critically assessed, as the fans and analysts will eagerly want to see if he can replicate or even exceed the success he found domestically on the regional stage. With new aspirations and no shortage of ambition, the future looks bright for both Atlético Nacional and Efraín Juárez, promising exciting developments as the seasons progress.
