The Pumas of UNAM have confirmed Efraín Juárez as their new coach after Gustavo Lema left the position due to poor results in the Clausura 2025. At 37 years old, Juárez returns to the institution that debuted him professionally, nearly 15 years later.
One of Juárez's main tasks will be to revive the crisis-stricken Pumas, seeking a spot in the Liguilla and competing in the Concacaf Champions Cup. He is expected to restore the university mystique to the team, promoting a committed style of play based on young local talents alongside experienced foreigners.
The new coach must establish a competitive playing style against the giants of Mexican football, improving defensive aspects and generating more offensive ideas that were lacking in the previous management. Juárez outperformed Jaime Lozano as the chosen one to lead the Pumas, receiving a multi-year contract with a guarantee of at least one full season of visible results.
Juárez arrives from Atlético Nacional in Colombia, where he achieved success by winning a double in league and cup in just four months before resigning. His experience as an assistant coach in teams such as New York City in MLS, Standard Liege, and Club Brugge in Belgium supports his preparation for this new challenge.
Juárez's debut on the Pumas bench will be this Tuesday, March 4, in the match against Alajuelense from Costa Rica corresponding to the round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup.
