Former Mexico international defender Efrain Juarez said Saturday that he was "returning home" as he prepared to assume Pumas UNAM's vacant manager's role.

Juarez arrived in Mexico City on Saturday to finalize details of a contract with the Mexico City-based club following the departure of Gustavo Lema amid a poor run of results.

"It's my home and I'm very excited to be able to contribute my grain of sand to this institution," Juarez told reporters upon his arrival at Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport.

"I love Pumas, I've always said so. And I have a deep gratitude for the club. Pumas knocked on the door and when home calls you, you can't say no."

Pumas is currently 12th in the 18-team Liga MX Clausura standings with just 11 points from nine games so far this season.

Juarez, who has been out of work since parting ways with Colombia's Atletico Nacional in January, said he was confident of turning around the team's fortunes.

"If a club like Pumas doesn't win there will be pressure on the manager, no matter who it is," the 37-year-old said. "Good results require hard work and that's what I can promise, along with plenty of grit and spirit."