Almost a year after his last experience on the bench, Jorge Luis Pinto would already be ready to return to Colombian football. The Norte Santander coach will go on to lead one of the historic clubs of the national team, but which remains in the second category of national football.
This is Unión Magdalena, a club that was relegated to the Betplay Tournament for this year and is seeking, quickly, to return to the highest category of Colombian soccer. The news was confirmed by the president of the banana team himself through a press conference broadcast on social networks.
Now you can follow us on our WhatsApp Channel and in Facebook.
There, the leader emphasized that “the main reason for the arrival of Professor Jorge Luis Pinto is because we want to be promoted”, also taking into account that the Magdalena team did not manage to qualify for the final of the second category of Colombian football that they compete in. Llaneros and Orsomarso.
In fact, The leader confirmed that the coach was already in Santa Marta, where he held a talk with the group of coaches from the minor divisions of Unión Magdalena. And despite the fact that coaching a second division team would represent a setback in the Sangileño’s coaching career, Pinto himself assured The Herald that what he is looking for in a club where he can work with peace of mind.
“It can be a small team, it can even be from the second division, there is no problem. But that one can work calmly, that one can execute calmly, that there are balanced managers. “After traveling and knowing so much, one analyzes,” said the Colombian technical director.
Besides, The Santander coach had made known his position regarding the versions that linked him to Cúcuta Deportivo, the club with which he won the championship in 2006. In fact, the man from Sangilón took the opportunity to make a mockery of the Motilón team’s directors.
“Surprised by rumors of the last few hours, I feel obliged to clarify that there is no type of approach with the Cúcuta Deportivo directives. We are on completely different shores regarding the way a serious sports project should be managed,” Jorge Luis Pinto wrote in his X profile.
On the other hand, it is noteworthy that Jorge Luis Pinto had already been sought in the current transfer market by Deportivo Cali, a club that he had already managed since the end of 2022 and 2023, and from which he ended up leaving due to differences with the board before the hiring of Luis Sandoval.
After confirming the news of his arrival at Unión Magdalena, Pinto will take over the banana team for the third time. This, after he was in charge of the Santa Marta club from 1988 to 1989 and 1994 to 1996.
Jorge Luis Pinto has left an important mark both nationally and internationally. At 71 years old, the man from Santander has accumulated vast experience directing teams in Colombia and other parts of the world.
The San Gil-born coach has had various Colombian clubs under his command for 40 years, including Deportivo Cali, Millonarios, Santa Fe, Cúcuta Deportivo, Junior and Bucaramanga. His name has stood out in each of these teams, consolidating a career full of challenges and significant achievements.
On the international scene, one of Pinto’s most memorable moments was his direction of the Costa Rica team during the 2014 World Cup. Under his leadership, the team reached the quarterfinals, thus achieving Costa Rica’s best historical participation in a soccer World Cup. This achievement earned him worldwide recognition and praise.
In addition to his time in Costa Rica, Pinto has coached in several foreign leagues and has led teams in different international tournaments. His ability to manage teams and obtain positive results has made him a respected figure in the world of football.
