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Colombia legend Carlos Valderrama gives his support to Jose Pekerman
The former No. 10 does not believe hiring a foreign coach is a step back for his nation, and asserted that the Argentine's record and experience spoke for itself
Jan 9, 2012 7:29:00 PM
By Daniel Edwards
Colombian idol Carlos Valderrama has declared himself happy with the appointment of Jose Pekerman to the national team coaching position, and dismissed criticisms from some quarters that a foreign coach was the wrong choice for the Cafeteros.
The former Argentina trainer reached an agreement with the Colombian Football Federation last week, and is expected to be officially presented as the successor to Leonel Alvarez on January 15. Alvarez was in the job just three months before he was sacked due to a less than impressive start to the side's World Cup qualifying campaign.
Pekerman is the first foreign-born coach since Carlos Bilardo in 1981 to take the job but 'El Pibe' Valderrama was not concerned about handing the reins over to someone not Colombian.
"Having a foreign coach is not a step back," the legendary No. 10 asserted in declarations reported by Telam on Monday.
"All over the world there are foreign coaches. If he is up to the job there will be no problems, and I believe Pekerman is a coach with talent and experience."
Colombian President of the Nation Juan Manuel Santos also greeted the Argentine to his new post, writing on his official Twitter account "Welcome Jose Pekerman, best of luck to the Colombian Seleccion. You have all our support."
The former Argentina trainer reached an agreement with the Colombian Football Federation last week, and is expected to be officially presented as the successor to Leonel Alvarez on January 15. Alvarez was in the job just three months before he was sacked due to a less than impressive start to the side's World Cup qualifying campaign.
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Pekerman is the first foreign-born coach since Carlos Bilardo in 1981 to take the job but 'El Pibe' Valderrama was not concerned about handing the reins over to someone not Colombian.
"Having a foreign coach is not a step back," the legendary No. 10 asserted in declarations reported by Telam on Monday.
"All over the world there are foreign coaches. If he is up to the job there will be no problems, and I believe Pekerman is a coach with talent and experience."
Colombian President of the Nation Juan Manuel Santos also greeted the Argentine to his new post, writing on his official Twitter account "Welcome Jose Pekerman, best of luck to the Colombian Seleccion. You have all our support."
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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