Fernando Ortiz Set to Become Colo Colo’s Next Coach After Quinteros Steps Down

Colo Colo is still looking for a new manager after Jorge Almirón left. According to La Tercera, the club aimed to hire someone by Wednesday, but this decision has now been postponed to Saturday, just one day before the Superclásico against Universidad de Chile. Gustavo Quinteros was the top choice but he declined the offer, citing the current stage of the season, a closed transfer window, and not enough time for preparation.

This has led to 47-year-old Argentine coach Fernando Ortiz becoming a leading candidate. His last position was with Santos Laguna, where he spent only 124 days, recording two wins, one draw, and 14 losses. Ortiz previously managed Monterrey and had a notable run at Club América, who reached three semifinals between 2022 and 2023, although they never made it to the finals.

As a player, Ortiz came up through Boca Juniors and had spells with Mallorca B, San Lorenzo, Unión, Banfield, and Estudiantes. He later played in Mexico, where he won the 2008 Clausura with Santos Laguna and played for América and Tigres. After returning to Argentina, he joined Vélez and won the 2011 Clausura under Ricardo Gareca, finishing his playing career at Racing in 2014.

Ortiz started his coaching career with the reserves at Estudiantes before managing teams in Paraguay, like Sol de América and Sportivo Luqueño. His time at América helped build his reputation in Liga MX, known for using a flexible 4-2-3-1 formation. If he becomes the manager at Colo Colo, he will reunite with defender Sebastián Vegas, whom he coached at Monterrey.