Mayer Candelo Returns to Millonarios as Alberto Gamero’s New Assistant Coach

Millonarios brings club icon Candelo home

It secures a familiar face to help guide the Albiazul squad following weeks of speculation surrounding the coaching staff.

Fanbacklash shuts door on Mondragón option

The appointment resolves the final remaining opening in Gamero’s immediate staff. Initial discussions had linked former goalkeeper and commentator Faryd Mondragón to the role.

However, according to broadcast coverage on the program “Peláez y de Francisco en La FM”, that option was ultimately discarded following considerable pushback from the club’s fanbase. Gamero subsequently clarified that while he maintains a strong personal relationship with Mondragón, the two never formally discussed adding the former national team guardameta to the technical bench.

Management pivots to a proven managerial profile

Instead, management pivoted to Candelo. His profile matched the club’s specific requirements: a decorated former player with prior managerial experience in professional Colombian football and an intimate understanding of the Bogotá culture.

Gamero confirmed publicly that he had received internal clearance to pursue his preferred candidate. He noted that while the incoming assistant had been sorting out pending documentation and weighing external offers, Candelo expressed a clear desire to return to Millonarios.

Deep roots and silverware from a storied playing career

Candelo joins a first-line coaching group that includes Jorge Castro and Julio Charales. For Candelo, the transition marks a homecoming to an institution where he forged a celebrated playing career across two distinct stints.

The former midfielder first represented the club between 2002 and 2003, before returning for a second, highly productive spell from 2011 to 2015. During that latter period, Candelo served as team captain and established himself as a central figure in the dressing room, leading Millonarios to two major domestic trophies: the Copa Colombia in 2011 and the Finalización tournament title in 2012.

Top-flight managerial background meets immediate club targets

Across 267 official appearances and 30 goals for the Bogotá side, Candelo developed a reputation for tactical vision and leadership on the pitch. Following his retirement as a player, he transitioned into technical management, taking charge of Cortuluá in 2019 and subsequently managing Deportivo Cali in 2022. This background gives him direct familiarity with the intense competitive pressures of the top flight in Colombia.

In his new capacity as assistant to Gamero, Candelo is expected to leverage his history with the club to serve as a vital bridge between the coaching staff, the playing squad, and the supporters. As Millonarios makes tactical adjustments and maintains focus on domestic competition targets, leadership and technical staff will look to integrate Candelo’s experience immediately as preparations continue for their next scheduled fixture.