Giovanni Hernández


Giovanni Andrés Hernández Soto, is a Colombian football manager and former player. He is the current manager of Atlético F.C. in the Colombian Categoría Primera B, and formerly managed Uniautónoma, Real Cartagena and Junior.
Before his career as a coach, he was famous for his technical ability to create plays, and ability to create goals out of free kicks.

History

Early career

Giovanni Hernández made his professional debut at the age of 17 with Once Caldas. In 1995, he played for América de Cali and he scored 5 goals during this season. He continued playing for the club during the 1996 Copa Libertadores where he scored 2 goals. He played for Independiente Medellín during 1998. At the end of that year, he was signed by Deportivo Cali.

Deportivo Cali

He played for Deportivo Cali in the 1999 Copa Libertadores as a substitute, but after a few goals he became a starter for the 2001 season, where he scored 13 goals.

Colón

In the second half of 2003, Hernández was sold to Argentine club Colón de Santa Fe. There he scored a goal and made an assist in his debut game. He quickly became one of the favorites in the Argentine league reaching a total of 12 goals that season. He played in the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup with a lacklustre performance, not scoring a single goal.

Colo-Colo

Before the beginning of the 2007 Apertura in Chile, Giovanni joined Chilean club Colo-Colo. He was a vital part of the team that would eventually won the championship. Giovanni was the second leading scoring of the team with 7 goals. After a three-year absence from the Colombian national team, Giovanni was recalled for the match against Mexico in August 22.

Junior

Giovanni went back to Colombia to play for Junior de Barranquilla, becoming the most expensive transfer made by the team at that time. Hernandez helped the team to reach the playoffs and to keep the team in the first division. He was of vital importance in obtaining the title in 2010.

International career

Hernández was called up to the Colombian national team for the 2001 Copa América, which they won. Colombia did not qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup but did qualify for the 2003 Confederations Cup where he was called up again. Giovanni scored 3 goals in 5 games and he was considered one of the best players of the tournament.

International goals

Honours

Club

;América de Cali
;Colo-Colo
;Junior