Santa Fe shortlist reshaped: Gracián and Delfino in the 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 would already be made. That is why, while the players work with a crucial match in mind, behind closed doors the efforts are aimed at securing his successor as soon as possible.

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

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

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

The list of candidates for the job does not end there, as another coach still being closely analyzed is Iván Delfino. This manager has strong backing from much of the rojinegro world for a new spell at the club.

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

On his coaching staff appears a surname with major weight in the recent history of Santa Fe. It is Paolo Goltz, currently assistant coach and a major sabalero figure after being part of the professional squad that won the title in 2021.

Javier Sanguinetti, meanwhile, appears to be in a different situation, having reportedly fallen a few steps behind after the initial evaluations. The coach does not hold the same advantage as the other contenders following the first inquiries made by the board.

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 evaluated in absolute secrecy.

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

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