After Fernando Gago was officially dismissed yesterday morning as head coach of Boca Juniors, Juan Román Riquelme and his executive team began the search for the next occupant of the bench at La Bombonera. Since the news broke, many names have emerged as potential candidates. However, one of the first to speak up was José Pekerman… and he seems open to the idea of working with Riquelme again.

“I have a great relationship with Riquelme”

At 75 years old, Pekerman's experience is unquestionable. That may have been the main factor that prematurely ended Fernando Gago's stint as Boca Juniors coach. Still, it’s been nearly 20 years since Pekerman managed a club or was involved in the daily grind. In fact, after leaving Tigres in May 2009, he spent six years managing Colombia (2012–2018) before taking over the Venezuelan national team, from which he stepped down in March 2023.

Despite being inactive for over two years and many considering him retired, Pekerman didn’t hesitate to present his candidacy to Riquelme as a potential coach for Boca Juniors. “I have a great relationship with Román (Riquelme), and that’s been the case in other moments as well. But he knows what he wants and what he needs—not just him, but also his team,” Pekerman said in an interview with DSports Radio.

Pekerman Has Always Trusted Riquelme

It’s clear that José Pekerman and Juan Román Riquelme have had a close relationship for nearly 30 years. Specifically, he was the coach who gave Riquelme his debut with Argentina U-20 in January 1997, when Riquelme was just 18 years old and one of the brightest young talents in Argentine soccer. Nearly a decade later, Pekerman showed his continued trust in Riquelme by selecting him for the 2006 World Cup—the only one Riquelme played in during his career.

Now, with Riquelme as Boca Juniors president, Pekerman may emerge as a trusted option. However, Pekerman himself admitted that, at this stage in his career, he would prefer to manage a national team. “It’s not an easy decision. I’ve been contacted by several Argentine clubs. I’ve been waiting for something at the national team level and had some conversations during this second phase of the Qualifiers. I’m always open to talking, but I also need to consider whether I’ll be able to contribute and feel good about what I’m doing with the players.”