Pumas UNAM hasn't had good seasons in recent years. Efrain Juarez took the reins of Los del Pedregal with the hope of leading them to the top of Liga MX. However, the Mexican strategist himself acknowledged that he has fallen short at the club.

Efrain Juarez arrived in Liga MX with impressive credentials. The former Atletico Nacional coach landed in Mexico after achieving a historic double in Colombian football. But Juarez himself is aware that he has failed with Pumas.

“I said it in my last press conference, it's a failure on my part and on what has been done over the last 15 years. We can't be satisfied with just making the playoffs, reaching a semifinal, or reaching a final and not winning it; this institution doesn't deserve that. I left here as a champion, and I want to leave here with that same enthusiasm,” said the Mexican strategist.

In two seasons at the helm of Pumas, Efrain Juarez has struggled to get the club past the first phase of the tournament. In their first season, they reached the second round of the Play-In Tournament by defeating Bravos de Juarez, but were eliminated by Monterrey. In the last campaign, "Los del Pedregal" were dispatched in the first round by Pachuca.

To fight for the Clausura 2025

Efrain Juarez assured that Pumas UNAM should be capable of being one of the main contenders in the Clausura 2025. This would be Juarez's third tournament in charge of the club. The Mexican strategist hopes his squad will gel quickly. “The reality is that with all these circumstances, the team has to compete at a high level. Hopefully, we'll quickly have the time to get the two new signings who arrived this week up to speed with the style of play we want as Pumas,” he stated. Pumas UNAM debut this Sunday, January 11, in the Clausura 2025 tournament. “Los del Pedregal” will host Queretaro's Gallos Blancos in the first match. Juarez and his team will begin the tournament at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario.