José Pékerman is one of the most successful football coaches in South America, with a career spanning over three decades. He has coached some of the best teams in South America, including the Argentine national team, the Colombian national team, and various club teams in Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina. In this blog post, we will delve into his life, career, and achievements.
Early Life and Career
José Néstor Pékerman was born on September 3, 1949, in Villa Domínguez, Argentina. He grew up in a football-loving family and was introduced to the game at a young age. As a teenager, he played for several amateur teams in Argentina, but his playing career was cut short due to a serious injury.
Pékerman started his coaching career in the early 1980s, coaching the youth team of Argentinos Juniors. He quickly established himself as a successful youth coach and was appointed as the head coach of the senior team in 1986. He guided Argentinos Juniors to their first-ever league title in 1985, and then to the Copa Libertadores final in 1986, where they were beaten by River Plate.
National Team Success with Argentina
Pékerman’s success with Argentinos Juniors caught the attention of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), and he was appointed as the head coach of the Argentina U20 team in 1994. He led the team to back-to-back World Cup titles in 1995 and 1997, and his success with the youth team earned him a promotion to the senior team in 2004.
Pékerman’s time with the Argentina national team was marked by controversy, as he left out several high-profile players, including Juan Román Riquelme and Esteban Cambiasso, from the 2006 World Cup squad. Argentina made it to the quarter-finals of the tournament but were beaten on penalties by Germany.
Coaching Success with Colombia
After leaving the Argentina national team in 2006, Pékerman spent a few years coaching club teams in Mexico and Argentina before taking over as the head coach of the Colombia national team in 2012. He led the team to the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup, their best-ever performance in the tournament.
Under Pékerman, Colombia also reached the quarter-finals of the 2015 Copa América and the semi-finals of the 2016 Copa América Centenario. He stepped down as the head coach of the Colombia national team in 2018, after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
Coaching Philosophy
Pékerman’s coaching philosophy is centered around building a strong team spirit and creating a sense of unity within the squad. He is known for his tactical acumen and his ability to get the best out of his players. Pékerman is also a proponent of youth development and has a keen eye for spotting young talent.
Legacy
José Pékerman is regarded as one of the most successful coaches in South American football history. He has won numerous titles with club and national teams, and his success with the Argentina U20 team is widely celebrated in his home country. Pékerman is also credited with laying the foundation for the success of the Colombian national team in recent years, and his contributions to the development of Colombian football are highly respected.
Conclusion
In conclusion, José Pékerman is a legendary coach who has left an indelible mark on South American football. His success with club and national teams, and his ability to develop young talent, have earned him a place among the greats of the game. Pékerman’s coaching philosophy and his emphasis on team spirit and unity continue to inspire young coaches around the world.
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