Sebastián Viera left his position as head coach of Junior de Barranquilla after securing only five victories across fourteen matches in the second half of the Colombian league season, according to Caracol Radio.
The club confirmed the departure through an official statement on November 14, 2026, ending a tenure that began on September 1 when Viera replaced Alfredo Arias.
“Junior F.C. informa a la opinión pública, a los medios de comunicación y a sus aficionados, que el vinculo contractual con Sebastián Viera y los integrantes de su cuerpo técnico ha finalizado,” the club announced in its official statement.
The team finished the regular phase in fourteenth place with 22 points, failing to reach the semifinal cuadrangular stage.
Viera inherited a difficult situation on September 1, 2026, when the team sat in last place with just two points from five matches and had already suffered elimination from the Copa Colombia against Barranquilla FC, as reported by ELHERALDO.CO.
His debut on September 5 brought a 3–3 draw against Jaguares at Estadio Romelio Martínez.
Across his fourteen games in charge, the former goalkeeper accumulated five wins, five draws, and four losses, securing 20 points out of 42 possible.
“La institución agradece a Sebastián y a cada uno de los miembros de su equipo de trabajo por la disposición, el compromiso y la dedicación demostrados durante su tiempo al servicio de Junior F.C,” the club said.
¡COMUNICADO OFICIAL! 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/RsZ7dWAslt
While the board evaluates options for the 2027 campaign, Jorge Bava has emerged as a primary candidate to take over the managerial role, according to ESPN Colombia.
Bava previously coached Independiente Santa Fe to a league title in 2025 and addressed the links to Barranquilla in local media.
“Estoy atento a la liga siempre por una eventual oportunidad. Pero están jugando y con un colega al mando,” Bava told Revista Semana.
When asked if he would join the list of Uruguayan coaches to lead Junior, Bava replied simply, “Ojalá así sea,” as reported by Colombia.com.
Despite the dismissal, Viera remained on the sideline for the final fixture of the Liga BetPlay phase against Deportivo Pasto on Thursday, a match that carried no influence over the qualification standings.
The club has not yet finalized or announced a new coaching staff for the upcoming international commitments.
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