Rivera Reflects on Coaching opportunities in Colombian Soccer
Experienced Colombian coach Harold Rivera, recently departed from Independiente Santa Fe, is actively seeking new challenges in the world of Colombian football. In a recent interview with Caracol Radio’s ‘VBAR’, Rivera shed light on past opportunities and his current aspirations.
Rivera revealed that Junior de Barranquilla expressed interest in his services while he was still leading Independiente Santa fe. However, he remained loyal to his commitment with the Bogotá-based club, prioritizing his existing contract.
“They approached me while I was with Santa Fe,” Rivera explained. “I informed them that I had a pending conversation with Dr. Eduardo Méndez regarding my contract. Santa Fe was my priority, and I owed them my loyalty. After speaking with Dr. Méndez, we reached an agreement, and I politely declined Junior’s offer.”
Despite his eventual departure from Santa Fe in August 2022, Rivera maintains a positive outlook on his tenure. He acknowledges both the triumphs and challenges, highlighting the team’s significant betterment under his guidance, culminating in a league final appearance in 2020.
“There were more positive aspects than negative ones during my time at Santa Fe,” Rivera stated. “Since leaving, I’ve had time to reflect, and I consider my experience there to be valuable. We achieved notable progress, including reaching the League final. Ideally, I would have had access to more resources in the latter stages of my management to fully realize our initial goals.”
The conversation also touched upon the current situation at atlético Nacional, a club known for its ambition and rich history. Rivera expressed his admiration for the Antioquia-based team, acknowledging the allure of coaching such a prestigious institution.
“Who wouldn’t want to lead Nacional?” Rivera remarked. “It’s a club with a strong tradition and a passionate fanbase. Every coach aspires to such an opportunity. while there have been rumors linking me to Nacional, I haven’t had any direct contact with the club’s leadership. I have an intermediary who has mentioned these rumors, but nothing concrete has materialized as with other teams I’ve been associated with.”
Could Atlético Nacional Be Next for Harold Rivera?
Harold Rivera is a name synonymous wiht experience and dedication in Colombian football. With a coaching career spanning decades,Rivera’s recent departure from Independiente Santa Fe has sparked speculation about his next move. I had the privilege of sitting down with him to discuss his career, his reflections on Santa Fe, and those persistent rumors linking him to Atlético Nacional.
Welcome,Harold. Thanks for joining me today.
harold Rivera: The pleasure is all mine.
Let’s start with your time at Santa Fe. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but you did achieve a league final appearance in 2020. Looking back, what are your most prominent takeaways from that experience?
Rivera: It was a period of notable growth, both for me personally and for the team. We faced challenges, of course, but we also achieved some remarkable things.reaching the league final was a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.
You mentioned challenges. You were linked to Junior de Barranquilla while still at Santa Fe. Was it difficult to balance loyalty to a current club with the allure of a new prospect?
Rivera: Certainly. My priority was always to fulfill my commitments to Santa Fe. I had an open conversation with the club president, Dr. Eduardo Méndez, and we reached a mutual understanding.I believe in honoring agreements, and Junior respected my decision.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: Atlético Nacional. You’ve been linked to the club, and many fans are wondering if your the right man for the job. First, are those rumors based on anything concrete, or just speculation?
Rivera: There’s been some talk, and, yes, I have an intermediary who has mentioned Nacional’s interest, but nothing formal has been proposed. they are a club with a rich history and incredibly passionate supporters. Who wouldn’t want to coach a team like that?
It’s undeniable that Nacional is a team under the microscope right now. They’ve had a bit of a rollercoaster season, with some questioning thier direction. How much pressure do you think a manager feels stepping into a situation like that?
rivera:
coaching at this level always comes with pressure, especially at a club like Nacional. The expectations are high, and the fans are incredibly demanding. It’s essential to have a clear vision and a strong plan to navigate those waters.
We’ve seen coaches come and go at Nacional recently.Do you think, based on what you know about the club’s current situation, this could be a good fit for you?
Rivera: I’m a fan of football, and I follow the league closely. Every team presents unique challenges and opportunities. I believe I have the experience and the tactical acumen to handle any challenge. However, ultimately, it woudl depend on the club’s vision and whether we’d be the right fit for each other.
Harold, your experiences at Santa Fe, and the potential opportunity at nacional, highlight the dynamic nature of Colombian football. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Rivera:
My focus remains on coaching, on helping teams improve and achieve success. Where that leads me,whether it’s Nacional,another club in Colombia,or even an overseas opportunity,remains to be seen. My passion for the game drives me, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.
Fans are eager to see what your next chapter holds, Harold.Thank you for your time and honesty.
Rivera: Thank you for having me.
Let’s hear from you,football enthusiasts! Do you think harold Rivera is the right fit for Atlético Nacional? What other clubs would be a good match for his experience and ambition? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
