Not even the presence of Antonio José Ardila in Antioquia territory prevented the premature elimination of Atlético Nacional from the 2022 Copa Libertadores.
Precisely, the complicated present of the Purslane team, which has spent several years without any prominence in the local League and on the continent, motivated the return of the club’s boss. The 2018 edition, when they were eliminated by Atlético Tucumán in the round of 16, was the last time they got past the group stage.
Faced with the crisis of the team, following the departure of the coach Alejandro Restrepo, the maximum shareholder appeared to accompany the process of the new election of the coaching staff to the president Emilio Gutiérrez and Sebastián Lopera (technical secretary).
Ardila resigned from the Colombian embassy in London and returned to face the situation of the Antioquia club.
It should be noted that every time Antonio José was present, the Paisa team left behind many crises. The last time he was seen so close to the team was precisely in the 2016 Copa Libertadores, when the continental title was won.
This leader was one of the most plethoric in the final and celebrated alongside the players and coaching staff when the match once morest Independiente del Valle ended.
So in the next few days important decisions will be made for the immediate future of the institution.
What’s next for green
After the game once morest the Paraguayan cast, Nacional will have to immediately focus on preparing for their next game in the domestic championship.
El Verde will face Independiente Medellín this Sunday. This match, valid for date 10 of the Betplay League 1-2022, will take place at the Atanasio Girardot stadium starting at 8:15 p.m.
Regarding this commitment, the expectation is maintained if the interim coach, Hernán Darío Herrera, will be able to direct from the bench, since he carries a sanction from time ago in the Dimayor. The institution’s lawyers advance in inquiries to determine if the punishment has already expired.
In the local League, Nacional is in third place in the standings, with 17 points, just three behind the leader Millonarios
