The various profiles feature diverse achievements and playing styles that could align with the Venezuelan national team’s needs as it seeks improved performance on the international stage. Photos: Social Media
Guacamaya, September 13, 2025 — After missing out on the playoff for the 2026 World Cup, Fernando “Bocha” Batista was dismissed as head coach of Venezuela’s national football team, known as La Vinotinto. The Venezuelan Football Federation announced the decision just minutes after President Nicolás Maduro publicly called for a restructuring of the coaching staff. Batista did not speak to the press following the team’s elimination.
Now, the Venezuelan national team faces the urgent task of appointing a replacement—at least on an interim basis—to lead the squad in upcoming friendly matches during the next FIFA windows. The first match is scheduled for October 10 against Argentina, while the second is yet to be confirmed. In November, Venezuela will face Nigeria on the 14th and Canada on the 18th.
Regarding potential foreign replacements, public opinion and the press have surfaced a diverse list of coaches with notable careers across various leagues and national teams. These international managers bring high-level experience and could offer a fresh, competitive vision for La Vinotinto during this transitional phase.
The first installment of this series focused on Venezuelan candidates—local coaches with experience and potential to lead the national team. This second part explores the foreign managers currently being considered, whose profiles may align with the team’s evolving needs. They include:
Luis Zubeldía
An Argentine coach with experience across South American clubs, Zubeldía is known for his attacking tactical approach and commitment to developing young talent. In 2023, he led LDU Quito to win both Ecuador’s Serie A and the Copa Sudamericana, bolstering his international reputation.
He has coached in Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Mexico, and even debuted in Europe with Deportivo Alavés in Spain’s La Liga. His most recent role was with São Paulo FC in Brazil, ending in June 2025. He’s also been linked to the Peruvian national team.
Ricardo Gareca
Nicknamed “El Tigre,” this former Argentine player and coach gained international acclaim for leading Peru to the 2018 World Cup—its first appearance in 36 years. He also reached the Copa América final in 2019, semifinals in 2015 and 2021, and quarterfinals in 2016.
At the club level, he won four titles with Vélez Sarsfield between 2009 and 2013, and the Apertura with Universitario in 2008. In 2024, he took charge of Chile’s national team but was dismissed in June 2025 after the team’s mathematical elimination from World Cup contention. He is currently without a contract.
Gerardo Martino
Known as “Tata,” Martino is a former Argentine player and coach with a distinguished career in both club and national team management. He coached Paraguay from 2007 to 2011, leading them to the 2010 World Cup and the Copa América final in 2011.
He later managed Argentina (2014–2016), reaching two Copa América finals, and Mexico (2019–2022), winning the Gold Cup and qualifying for the 2022 World Cup. In 2013, he coached FC Barcelona, winning the Spanish Super Cup. He has also won club titles in Paraguay, Argentina, and the U.S. He is currently a free agent.
Jorge Luis Pinto
A Colombian coach with a degree in Physical Education, Pinto is best known for guiding Costa Rica to the quarterfinals of the 2014 World Cup—their best-ever performance. He has also coached Colombia, Honduras, and the United Arab Emirates.
At the club level, he has won titles with Alianza Lima (Peru), Alajuelense (Costa Rica), Cúcuta Deportivo (Colombia), Deportivo Táchira (Venezuela), and Unión Magdalena (Colombia). His success with Deportivo Táchira adds weight to his candidacy for Venezuela. He is currently without a contract.
Juan Carlos Osorio
A Colombian coach and former player, Osorio is known for his meticulous and scientific approach. He studied coaching in England and the Netherlands and holds a UEFA Type A license. Internationally, he led Mexico from 2015 to 2018, setting unbeaten streaks and qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. He briefly coached Paraguay in 2019.
Osorio was assistant coach at Manchester City (2001–2005) and later managed clubs in Colombia, the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, Paraguay, and Egypt. He has won seven domestic titles in Colombia, six with Atlético Nacional. He’s been without a contract since March, though Panama has shown interest.
Hernán Crespo
A former Argentine striker turned coach, Crespo has made a name for himself in both roles. After retiring, he began coaching in Parma’s youth system (2014/15) and later managed Modena in Serie B (2015–2016).
He has since coached in Argentina, Brazil, Qatar, and the UAE, achieving notable success. Crespo won the Campeonato Paulista with São Paulo FC (his current team), three titles with Al-Duhail in Qatar, the Copa Sudamericana with Defensa y Justicia, and the AFC Champions League with Al Ain FC in the UAE.
