Once Caldas parts ways with Hernán Darío Herrera; Carlos Valencia is interim coach

The departure brings an end to a three-year tenure for Herrera in Manizales. During his time at the helm, the manager guided the team back to the semifinal cuadrangulares after an extended absence from the title race. Yet mounting pressure from supporters boiled over following the home loss at Estadio Palogrande on Friday, September 25, 2026, prompting discussions between club leadership and the coach that culminated in his resignation the following morning.

In an official statement released by the institution, Once Caldas expressed gratitude for the outgoing manager’s contributions. “Once Caldas S.A. informs its supporters, the media, and the general public that today the club and technical director Hernán Darío Herrera reached an agreement to conclude his work at the institution,” the club announced. The statement added: “We can only express our deepest and most sincere gratitude to Profe ‘Arriero’. Thank you for your unconditional dedication, for defending our colors with passion in every match, and for leaving your heart on the pitch and on the bench.”

The club also released a tribute video highlighting Herrera’s tenure, emphasizing key milestones, celebrations, and his connection with the fanbase in Manizales.

Immediate Leadership Change Under Carlos Valencia

With preparations underway for upcoming fixtures, Once Caldas turned to Carlos “Panelo” Valencia to steady the group. Carlos “Panelo” Valencia steps into the role of interim manager immediately, tasked with overseeing training sessions and preserving squad harmony ahead of the team’s next scheduled fixture.

The club confirmed that Valencia assumes the leadership of the professional roster on an interim basis while club officials evaluate candidates for a permanent appointment. The immediate priority for the coaching staff is righting a run of form that saw the team drop consecutive matches—including a 1–0 defeat to Deportivo Pasto prior to the Bucaramanga setback—leaving the club outside the top eight spots in the league standings.

Locker Room Reaction and Standings Context

Speaking to reporters after the match against Bucaramanga, team captain Dayro Moreno addressed the supporters and accepted responsibility on behalf of the squad. “We are a professional team, we are all grown men, which is why we had the idea to face everyone,” Moreno stated. “The mathematical possibility of qualifying is still there, but the responsibility here lies with us, the players. I think, regardless, the professor gives us everything; we work hard during the week.”

Despite the captain’s defense of the coaching staff, fan protests outside Palogrande signaled a deep fatigue with the team’s inconsistent results. While mathematical paths to the Grupo de los Ocho remain open, the board and Herrera opted to sever ties to alter the team’s trajectory.

Next Steps for the Blanco Blanco

Once Caldas returns to competitive action on Thursday against Inter de Bogotá, where Carlos Valencia will make his debut on the sideline. Club directors have not yet set a timeline for naming a permanent successor to Herrera.