'Piojo' Herrera faces challenge to succeed with Atlante after Costa Rica failure

Miguel 'Piojo' Herrera is embarking on a new challenge as the head coach of Mexican club Atlante, aiming to guide the team through its return to the top division in the Apertura 2026 tournament. This appointment comes after a disappointing period as the coach of Costa Rica's national team, where he was unable to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Herrera, who previously managed Mexico during the 2014 World Cup, will lead Atlante, one of Mexico's historic clubs, which has competed in the lower division since 2014. The team's return to Liga MX was facilitated by the acquisition of the Mazatlán franchise. Atlante, founded in 1916, will play its home games at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

"Life gives you triumphs and failures. In life, if you count them, failures outnumber victories," Herrera stated during his team's uniform presentation. He drew a parallel with Michael Jordan's career, emphasizing the importance of learning from defeats. Herrera, a two-time league champion with América, sees this role as an opportunity to rebound from the setback with Costa Rica.

"I am aware that the biggest failure of my career was not qualifying Costa Rica for the World Cup, but life is giving me this second chance, and I am going to take advantage of it," he declared. The Apertura 2026 tournament kicks off next Thursday, with Atlante facing Necaxa in their opening match. Atlante has won the league title three times in its history, with its most recent championship in the Apertura 2007.