Santa Fe shortlist reshaped: Gracián and Delfino in running for Colón | OneFootball

At Colón, two completely different scenarios are unfolding at this stage of the season. On one hand, Ezequiel Medrán is preparing the team to visit Acassuso on Saturday for the 23rd round of the Primera Nacional, while on the other, the club’s leadership is moving forward with the selection of the next head coach.

Although the current manager will remain in charge of the squad for the match at La Quema stadium, the decision to bring his spell to an end already appears to have been made. That is why, while the players work with a crucial match in mind, behind closed doors efforts are focused on appointing his successor as soon as possible.

In recent hours, the name that has gained the most momentum to take over the position is Leandro Gracián. The former midfielder, who previously played for the club in 2012, now appears to be the leading candidate to guide the team through the decisive stretch of the championship.

Beyond his recent departure from Quilmes, the board especially values the outstanding work he previously did at Deportivo Madryn. There, he led two highly competitive campaigns and took the Patagonian side into a serious promotion fight, although they ultimately fell short.

By contrast, Lucas Pusineri, who initially topped the list of the directors’ preferred candidates, has lost significant ground. Talks between the parties did take place, but a family situation involving his mother’s health has made the possibility virtually ruled out.

The list of candidates for the job does not end there, as another coach still being thoroughly considered is Iván Delfino. This manager enjoys strong backing from a large part of the rojinegro world for a new spell at the club.

His time at Colón left divided opinions among supporters, although many now believe his departure came too soon. In addition, his later promotion with Estudiantes de Río Cuarto further boosted the reputation of a professional who knows the demanding Primera Nacional as well as anyone.

His coaching staff includes a surname of major importance in the recent history of Santa Fe. It is Paolo Goltz, the current assistant coach and a major Sabalero figure after being part of the professional squad that won the title in 2021.

The situation appears different for Javier Sanguinetti, who seems to have fallen a few places behind after the initial evaluations. The coach does not hold the same advantage as the other candidates following the leadership’s first inquiries.

Meanwhile, the phones of the club’s directors and sporting director Diego Colotto have not stopped ringing. Several coaches have been offered in recent hours, and other names continue to be assessed in complete secrecy.

With Medrán focused on his final challenge in charge of the team, the leadership is speeding up negotiations in the market. The choice of the new head coach is shaping up to be one of the most crucial decisions for the club’s immediate future.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.