The Argentinian coach will take the technical lead of Pumas for the tail end of Clausura 2023, stepping into the pivotal role as the team seeks momentum in the closing stages of the season. This move places a seasoned strategist at the helm during a crucial period, with expectations that his experience will guide the squad through the final fixtures and potential postseason ambitions.
Pumas’ coaching debut under the new leadership marks a bold shift. After the Rafael Puente Jr. era ended amid notable struggles, the club from Pedregal announced Antonio ‘Turkish’ Mohamed as the new head coach, signaling a decisive change in direction. The announcement underscored the team’s desire to inject authority and a fresh tactical outlook as it navigates the Clausura chapter.
An experienced figure returns to the Mexican league; Mohamed is known for his deep understanding of national football’s rhythms. The Turkish nickname is familiar to fans from his stints with prominent clubs in the league, where he earned respect for his competitive edge and knack for delivering important results. His reputation as a manager who can rally teams and fine-tune systems makes him a compelling choice for a club like Pumas, which has long sought consistency and growth at the top level.
With the Argentine’s arrival, Pumas moves away from the model of prioritizing players from within the club and instead leans on a proven international tactician to steer the project. The change signals a commitment to progress through strategic leadership, aiming to align the team’s playing style with a broader, results-driven vision that can translate into better performance on the field and stronger showings in the competition. This transition is framed as a new chapter for Ciudad Universitaria, where the coaching staff aims to implement a clear direction and coherent philosophy across the squad.
Ahead of his first match in charge at Ciudad Universitaria, Mohamed’s career includes notable chapters in Brazil, highlighted by triumphs with Atlético Mineiro, where he captured the Mineiro Championship and the Brazilian Super Cup. Those achievements are often cited as proof of his ability to lead a team through demanding campaigns and to elevate performance in high-stakes games, reinforcing the expectations surrounding his stint with Pumas.
Reports from César Luis Merlo of TyC Sports indicate that what attracted Antonio Mohamed to Pumas was the prestige and history of the Mexico City club. The 52-year-old coach was reported to be on a contract through June 2024, with his debut set for a clash against Atlético de San Luis. The agreement reflects a dedicated effort by the club to bring in a scorer of experience and a manager capable of shaping a competitive identity for the team as it contends for important results in the Clausura run-in.