Veteran Colombian coach Jorge Luis Pinto launched a scathing critique of national team manager Néstor Lorenzo’s 26-player roster for upcoming friendlies against Chile, pointing out what he views as a glaring neglect of domestic league talent.
The Colombia national team faces Chile on November 13, 2026, at Estadio Pascual Guerrero in Cali, followed by a second fixture on November 17, 2026, at Estadio Nacional de Ñuñoa in Santiago, as reported by infobae. The selections immediately sparked intense debate across the country regarding squad criteria.
Elite Demands Versus Domestic Ignorance
While Pinto acknowledged the necessity of generational turnover following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he argued that international call-ups must not drift away from elite competitive standards, singling out new arrival Camilo Mena of Polish club Korona Kielce, El Tiempo reported.
“Ver caras nuevas es importante, porque hay que renovar el equipo. Pero esa renovación no la puede hacer tan distante de la élite,” explained Pinto to El Tiempo, noting that Mena lacks sufficient top-tier competitive experience for the national team setup.
The former national team boss went further, claiming that Lorenzo repeatedly overlooks performers plying their trade within the domestic Liga BetPlay.
“Me duele profundamente que el profesor Lorenzo no mire al fútbol colombiano,” said Pinto. “Tengo que decir una verdad dura y franca: el profesor Lorenzo no cree en el fútbol colombiano.”
The Debate Over Domestic Departures
The squad announcement also ignited friction regarding Atlético Nacional, whose manager Lucas González publicly protested losing players during a critical juncture of the domestic campaign. Two Nacional players, Samuel Velásquez and Juan Manuel Rengifo, were called up ahead of the Copa BetPlay semifinals against Once Caldas.
Analyst Carlos Antonio Vélez backed Lorenzo over González on Win Sports, arguing that complaints regarding semifinal absences were overblown because Nacional boasts a deep enough squad. Vélez said that Rengifo and Velásquez represent regular rotation pieces rather than irreplaceable starters.
“Nunca pensé que se pudiera dar este escenario, pero hoy estoy de acuerdo con Lorenzo,” declared Vélez on Win Sports, adding that “dato mata relato.”
Pinto took a different view of Nacional’s inclusions, telling El Tiempo that calling up four or five young players from the club felt merely like checking a box rather than a genuine commitment. Instead, Pinto argued that América de Cali playmaker Yeison Guzmán deserved a place in the squad.
Pinto Questions Devis Vásquez Selection and Business Involvement
The sharpest rebuke from Pinto centered on the selection of AS Roma goalkeeper Devis Vásquez, who has logged minimal playing time throughout 2026. Pinto questioned how a player lacking club minutes could displace more active custodians in South American and Colombian leagues.
“Voy a decir una cosa atrevida, pero muy franca: yo no sé si estén metiendo la mano los empresarios,” declared Pinto, as documented by El Tiempo. “¿Cómo va a llamar a un chico que ni siquiera juega y a veces ni sale de suplente? Y lleva dos partidos en un año.”
Backing the Omission of Jhon Durán
Despite his grievances with Lorenzo, Pinto publicly supported the decision to leave Benfica forward Jhon Durán out of the squad. Pinto emphasized that the young striker must mature and learn professional discipline after prior behavioral issues at club and international levels.
“Yo pienso que a Durán hay que dejarlo madurar,” explained Pinto to El Tiempo. “Es un jugador que tiene muchas condiciones, que debe quemar etapas de su formación. Porque tiene muy buen talento, pero no se ha formado como jugador profesional.”
Pinto recalled his previous warnings regarding Durán’s inclusion in past tournament squads, maintaining that international competition demands complete maturity.
Colombia meets Chile on November 13, 2026, in Cali.
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