Former Argentina coach Jose Pekerman is the new favorite to be the next coach of Colombia’s national soccer team after the collapse of talks with his compatriot Gerardo Martino.
Pekerman’s agent confirmed that he had already met with the Colfutbol director Luis Bedoya to discuss the role left vacant by Leonel Alvarez, who was sacked after a poor start to the “Cafeteros'” World Cup Qualifying campaign.
The agent told the media the talks had been successful so far and would continue. “On my side, they made a good impression. I’m taking away good things,” he said.
Pekerman built his reputation coaching the Argentine youth team to the World Youth Championship three times and the U-20 South American Championship twice. In 2004, he became coach of the national team, leading the Skyblues to the quarter finals of the 2006 World Cup, where they lost on penalties after drawing with hosts Germany.
The Colombian team has been in turmoil ever since popular coach Hernan “Bolillo” Gomez resigned after hitting a woman in a Bogota bar.