Efrain Juarez, the controversial coach of the Pumas UNAM, apparently has the possibility of coaching in Europe, provided that the apparent interest from Celtic of Scotland materializes, according to today's report in the Scottish newspaper, the Scottish Sun.

At a time when Juarez is trying to prevent the Pumas squad from missing the playoffs and ending their fourteenth year without a title, this rumor has surfaced in Scottish football, where the former Atletico Nacional de Medellin coach is already familiar with the team from his time as a player in 2010, after the South Africa World Cup.

According to the British newspaper, Celtic's management is very interested in the Mexican strategist's services, especially given his track record in Colombian football, which he hoped to replicate at the club where he began his playing career. However, he has so far failed to implement his philosophy and is currently fighting for a play-in spot.

Currently, Pumas needs to defeat Cruz Azul and hope that Santos Laguna doesn't beat Pachuca, as well as that Atlas doesn't lose at Xolos Tijuana, who suffered a painful defeat against Pumas in the last matchday.

4-1.

The Scottish club is looking for a manager with character, and Juarez possesses several aspects of the profile they are seeking, which would be a great opportunity for the Mexican strategist who has been looking for this chance to manage in European football.

So far, according to information from the newspaper AS Mexico, Celtic has already made initial contact with Juarez, so the possibility of him leaving the bench is a real option, although very complicated due to his commitment to Pumas, not to mention that there are seven other candidates on the British club's shortlist.

But the mere fact that a team with a great history is interested in the services of a Mexican manager like Efrain Juarez could be the opening door that Mexican strategists are waiting for to compete in the complicated European market.

Juarez played for Celtic after his strong performance at the 2010 South Africa World Cup under Javier Aguirre, but after a brilliant start, he was suddenly injured and lost his starting position, eventually moving to Real Zaragoza in Spain.

He then returned to Mexico and gradually rose through the ranks as an assistant coach. A year and a half ago, he successfully transitioned into head coaching with Atletico Medellin before joining Pumas, where his record so far has failed to impress.

Juarez arrived at Pumas in early 2025 after winning the league and cup titles in Colombia with Atletico Nacional, where his work attracted the attention of clubs abroad. Before beginning his head coaching career, he was Ronny Deila's assistant in three separate stints: at New York City FC, Standard Liege, and Club Brugge.