Hernan Quintero - Los Verdolagas

I sat, mulling it over….

De la Cuestra offered me the managerial role at Atletico Nacional… He was impressed with what I'd done with Medellin's regional side, developing players, helping the succeed at big clubs.

He wanted me to lead the team in to the new season.

He wanted me to win the title and draw level with Millonarios on 14 championships apiece and then overthrow them as Colombia's most successful club.

He wanted me to bring the Copa Libertadores back to Medellin for the first time since 1989.

But I'm an ex-player of their biggest rivals and I still support Independiente Medellin to this day.

I couldn't think… The constant drone of police sirens outside interrupted my thought process.

I reached for my diary. My childhood diary.

The place I stored all my thoughts when it all went wrong.



I had been full of regret as a youth.

Did I want to turn this opportunity down and live my life wondering what might have been?

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"Gentlemen… Thank you for your support and we're glad to have you on board." The chairman addressed the three tracksuitted men sitting across the boardroom table from us.

"Hernan, have you anything to add?" He asks me.

"I just want to re-iterate how grateful we are to have such influential figures on our staff for the season. Together, I feel we can bring great success to Atletico Nacional." I retort.

Everyone smiles and the trio exit, leaving myself alone with my new employer.

Yep, I'd taken the job. Hernan Quintero - Atletico Nacional's new manager.

I'd been in the job less than a week and got rid of the entire back room staff and handed a list to Mr De la Cuestra of the three main additions that I wanted. And he duly delivered.

Legends of Colombian football, players I'd grown up watching and briefly, I had the honour of calling them 'team mates.'



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Tino Asprilla was my new Assistant Manager.

With 20 goals for the national team, he is one of the most skilful players to come out of Colombia and is held in high esteem in the country.

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As I oversaw my first training match, I couldn't help but be impressed by one of the men running the midfield.

His touches were flawless, he was industrious, tough in the tackle and could thread a pass through the eye of a needle… It's just a pity he'd retired and was now part of my coaching staff - not that you'd think it to look at him!





'El Pibe' aka Carlos Valderrama, a Colombian legend, one of my idols growing up.

I remember watching in awe, his mass of blond afro hair, coupled with his flamboyant technique on the ball, made him one of the most recognisable players in world football.

And now, I was his boss.

Completing my legendary trio of Colombian heroes is the one and only….

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Without a doubt, every goalkeeper is a bit eccentric…

But Higuita makes them all look sane.

Despite this, he was a wonderful goalkeeper and I'm pleased to have him on board to nurture and train my current crop of custodians.

ATLETICO NACIONAL SQUAD PREVIEW - PART ONE



GOALKEEPERS



KEY MAN

Cristian Bonilla

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Bonilla made his debut within the Colombian top tier at only 16 years of age with Boyacá Chicó before eventually signing with Colombian giants Atletico Nacional, where he went on to win a double in his debut year, winning both the Copa Colombia title and the very first Superliga Colombiana. Both at just 19 years of age.

He represented Colombia at the 2011 Toulon Tournament in which he was the figure of the final saving two in the penalty shoot out against France thus obtaining Colombia's third title at the tournament. He also featured in all of Colombia's matches in the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup where he had made an impressive campaign making his presence count in crucial moments. He was also the starting choice for the 2013 South American Youth Championship where Colombia won their 3rd title.

His potential has been recognized by Premier League giants Manchester City where he was close to being acquired for the 2011-2012 season. He is often referred by Colombian media as a great prospect for the future.

DEFENDERS



KEY MAN

Mario Yepes

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38 year old Yepes became my first signing at Atletico Nacional.

Another Colombian legend, he arrives in Medellin for £150,000 from Italian Serie A side, Atalanta.

He brings bags of experience following a glittering career that included spells with River Plate, Paris St-Germain and A.C. Milan.

ATLETICO NACIONAL SQUAD PREVIEW - PART TWO



MIDFIELDERS



KEY MAN

Sherman Cardenas

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Cardenas is the 'trequartista' of the side.

Playing behind the strikers, he is energetic, creative and can find the net.

He made his league debut at just 16 years and 21 days old and boasts an impressive records for both Colombia U17's (11 apps, 14 goals) and U20's (16 apps, 7 goals).

ATTACKERS



KEY MAN

Juan Pablo Angel

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Although not getting any younger, 38 year old, Angel returns to his home town of Medellin and was instantly handed the captain's armband.

He scored 45 goals for the club before a move to River Plate and then on to England with Aston Villa.

He will be a key figure on the pitch and in the dressing room with his experienced, cool head a vital factor in helping nurture the club's youngsters.