BOGOTA, June 10 (Xinhua) — Juventus winger Juan Cuadrado said Friday that Colombia’s national team will be in good hands under the stewardship of new manager Nestor Lorenzo.
The comments came a week after Argentine Lorenzo took charge of the Cafeteros, replacing Reinaldo Rueda, who was sacked in April following the team’s failure to qualify for this year’s World Cup in Qatar.
“I’m confident he’ll do a great job,” Cuadrado told reporters. “I have a very good relationship with the manager. When the news [of his appointment] broke, it was a surprise. But he is a great person and a top professional with the talent to lead the team.”
Cuadrado said he expects Lorenzo to promote youth as the team turns its focus to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
“The younger generation of players deserve their chance,” he said. “Colombia has great talent.”
Despite this, the 34-year-old is adamant he still has an important role to play.
“I can contribute in many ways,” he said. “It’s not only what I can do on the pitch but also things like drawing on my experience to talk to the younger guys in the dressing room. I try to be a good example on and off the pitch.”
