Jose Pekerman's tenure as Colombia coach ends

Indian Super League Prediction

April 20 2024, 07:30 PM

Goa

Chennaiyin FC

Jose Pekerman has been in-charge of Colombia since January 2012

Bogota, September 5: Jose Pekerman has left his post as Colombia coach after transforming their international fortunes over the course of nearly seven years in charge.

Argentinian tactician Pekerman was appointed back in January 2012 during a turbulent period for Colombia, who at the time had not qualified for a World Cup since 1998.

Pekerman was Colombia's third coach in five months, as Hernan Dario Gomez resigned in August 2011 and his successor Leonel Alvarez only lasted until December.

Sólo puedo agradecer por todo lo que diste a Colombia, nos devolviste la FE y la ilusión de ser los mejores. Me has hecho creer que soy mejor de lo que pensaba. Con tus consejos crecí a todo nivel. Te deseo lo mejor para lo que viene José. Serás siempre mi mejor maestro. pic.twitter.com/VLYpV4cFYQ
— James Rodríguez (@jamesdrodriguez) September 4, 2018

But Pekerman had an instant impact and ultimately led Colombia to second place in South America's World Cup qualification campaign, securing a spot at Brazil 2014.

In Brazil, Colombia attracted acclaim from neutrals for their style of play and went as far as the quarter-finals – their best finish at a World Cup – before suffering a slender 2-1 defeat to the hosts.

Qualification for Russia 2018 was not quite so emphatic, but they did reach a second successive World Cup, ultimately losing on penalties to England in the last 16.

Nuestro agradecimiento por su profesionalismo y por todos estos años de trabajo y entrega en pro del fútbol colombiano. Gracias por creer en nosotros, por cada una de las enseñanzas y por transmitirnos el significado y el valor que existe cuando nos ponemos la camiseta de nuestra selección. Como equipo tuvimos un cambio de mentalidad y un salto de calidad en todos los aspectos, desde lo más pequeños detalles de un entrenamiento, hasta los más grandes objetivos que nos trazamos. Le deseo lo mejor para su carrera. Igualmente, es un momento para agradecer a todo el cuerpo técnico por el trabajo y entrega por la Selección Colombia. Gracias.

A post shared by Falcao (@falcao) on Sep 4, 2018 at 4:42pm PDT

In a news conference on Tuesday, a visibly emotional Pekerman said: "I'll always check on how Colombia is getting on, not just in football but also as a country, as a people.

"I'll always be part of this country and I hope the success continues."

The 69-year-old did not comment on what his future holds, though there have been suggestions Mexico are interested in the services of the former Toluca and Tigres coach following Juan Carlos Osorio's departure.

Colombia have not made any announcement regarding a successor, but Pekerman's decision comes at a potentially awkward moment given Osorio – the post-World Cup favourite to step into the role – was hired by Paraguay less than 24 hours earlier.

Gerardo Martino and Jorge Sampaoli – both former Argentina coaches, like Pekerman –have been touted as possible targets.