Atlético Nacional sacks coach Arias four days after losing league final

Colombian football club Atlético Nacional has announced the dismissal of head coach Diego Arias, just four days after the team lost the league final to Junior de Barranquilla. Arias's tenure, which lasted nine months, saw the team win the Copa Colombia 2025 but ultimately fall short of their primary objective: winning the league championship.

“

Atlético Nacional has decided to end the contract of Diego Arias as technical director of the men's professional team.

The club confirmed Arias's exit in a statement on social media, thanking him for his "dedication" and "daily commitment." The decision marks a swift end to his time at the helm, accelerating a reassessment of the club's sporting project for the second half of the year.

Arias, 40, initially took over as interim coach in September 2025 before being permanently appointed. During his 47 matches, he achieved 30 wins, 7 draws, and 10 losses, a performance rate of nearly 69%. Beyond the Copa Colombia victory, his team also reached the league final in the first semester of 2026.

“

We thank the coach for his dedication and daily commitment.

However, international results and the league final loss weighed heavily on the evaluation. Nacional was eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana in a preliminary phase and, despite a strong regular season in the league, could not secure the title, losing the final 3-1 on aggregate to Junior. The club had previously denied rumors of Arias's resignation, stating any decisions would be officially communicated.

“

The decision comes just four days after the team from Antioquia lost the Colombian league final against Junior de Barranquilla.

Atlético Nacional highlighted Arias's close relationship with the squad, noting he left "a mark in the locker room." The club is now actively working to define the coaching staff for the upcoming season and is searching for a new manager to lead them in the league and the Copa Colombia amidst a squad restructuring process.

“

Nacional was eliminated by Millonarios in the preliminary phase of the Copa Sudamericana.