💣Admits talks: Leonel Álvarez addresses Nacional rumours | OneFootball

Atlético Nacional has already set its plans in motion for the 2026 season, and the search for a new coach is the top priority. Although the board has two foreign candidates on its list, the name that has gained the most relevance is that of a club idol who is currently managing another team: Leonel Álvarez.

Unprecedented Approach with the Board

Leonel Álvarez himself, who is currently under contract with Atlético Bucaramanga, confirmed the interest and revealed a close relationship with the top management of the verdolaga team, something that, according to him, he had never experienced before.

“Any coach would be excited to manage Nacional. What I can say is that, for a long time, I had never had a closer relationship with the president of Nacional,” Álvarez highlighted in statements to ESPN Colombia. “He has invited me to several places and I haven’t been able to go due to my responsibilities or other commitments. There has been dialogue and they have always wanted to count on me. Being on their shortlist is good, especially considering the quality and level of a team like Nacional.”

Leonel, Focused on the Bucaramanga Project

Despite the evident pride at the interest from the 'King of Cups', the coach remained firm in his current project with Bucaramanga, a team that is one step away from securing its place in the quadrangulars and is fighting for a spot in an international tournament.

“I am with Bucaramanga, just as Nacional is focused on its tournament and its coach,” the manager stated. “Now it’s my job to think about Bucaramanga, and this coaching staff is only thinking about moving this project forward. We have more time left on our contract, and the affection, love, and recognition in Bucaramanga is enormous.”

Álvarez’s commitment to the Santander club remains unwavering, at least for now, as they prepare to face Millonarios this Tuesday at El Campín.

The 'Verdolaga' Bench Outlook for 2026

While the future is being decided, the club has made an interim decision. Jorman Campuzano, one of the team’s key players, confirmed that Diego Arias will continue as interim coach until the end of this semester, allowing the board to take the necessary time to choose the permanent manager for next year.

On the list of candidates for 2026, in addition to Leonel Álvarez, there are foreign names such as Vicente García (Uruguay), Walter Ribonetto and Pablo Guede, as well as the Colombian Juan Carlos Osorio. However, the public flirtation with Leonel Álvarez keeps the fans on edge at the possibility of an idol returning to the technical bench.

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

📸 THIAGO GADELHA - AFP or licensors