His name is part of a golden age for youth teams in Argentina. Over time, Jose Nestor Pekerman It was a world reference for football trainers in their minor divisions. Winner of three World Cups and two South American Under 20s, then also led the Albiceleste in the World Cup of Germany 2006 until he went to Colombia to train the coffee team in Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018.
Currently, the former Argentinos Juniors player who began his career as a manager in Chacarita in the early 80s, spoke about various topics in an interview with the Spanish sports newspaper. Mark. Expecting to return to work in a short time, the coach who directed players how Lionel Messi, Juan Román Riquelme, Pablo Aimar and so many others did not miss the opportunity to refer to the death of Diego Maradona, of which the next November 25 will be the first anniversary.
“We will always miss Diego, a little piece of each one of us left with him”said Pekerman, which was part of the early career of Fluff on the bug of La Paternal, the same as with those that were Messi’s first steps in the senior team he called up for the World Cup in Germany 15 years ago.
“I’m just saying that I thank God for having been part of the beginnings of both Messi and Maradona. They are players who have earned the respect of the world of football. Leo must be enjoyed and thanked for being on a court and enjoying it as much as possible “he explained.
:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/NFHVQ3WLZZHAHPFH6QROSMPAUQ.jpg 420w "José Pekerman spoke of the death of Maradona and left a suggestive phrase about the present of the Argentine team 1")
When asked if he would lead the national team again, Pekerman was careful in his words, but at the same time he highlighted the work of the coaching staff that he leads today. Lionel scaloni, who was led by José himself in the youth teams – they won the U20 World Cup in Malaysia 97 – and in the Major.
“I couldn’t answer this, it wouldn’t be right. Today there is a working group that is doing things well, that has a harmony. They come from a long-awaited conquest, the America’s Cup, and an internal and external contagion between the group and the people is glimpsed that is not easily achieved. It is to congratulate you and wish you the best”, He expressed.
Beyond the mark that José left in Argentine football, his time in the coffee team generated a special love affair with the people of Colombia after qualifying for the last two World Cup editions in Brazilian and Russian territory. “I will live in love with the country and its people,” confessed the coach of his relationship with that nation.
:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/5HV2E5Y455HGVDWHNB4RPQCP44.jpg 420w "José Pekerman spoke of the death of Maradona and left a suggestive phrase about the present of the Argentine team 2")
At the same time, confirmed that he did not retire from the technical direction and that he is analyzing offers for the near future. “Soccer continues to be my main activity. I closely follow all the Leagues, observing matches, collecting data, taking an interest in the news of the teams and players and making permanent meetings with my work group. I am very up to date. But I preferred to take time off, lengthened by the pandemic. For this reason, I was away from office … but totally active in keeping up with what is happening in football. It’s my passion”.
“The desire never went away. And I don’t think they will go. I’m to train tomorrow. I think it’s the moment. We are, with my team, with a lot of energy and studying various possibilities calmly. I have a young work group but with extensive experience and well prepared. And yes, the idea is to return to the soccer arena shortly. Hopefully it will happen very soon ”, concluded the man who at 72 years old continues with his passion for football.
KEEP READING: