The Brazilian team is not the only one that took advantage of the international break to present a new coach. In addition to Dorival Júnior, Argentine Ricardo Gareca will make his debut in the region leading Chile, with the first objective of having a good Copa América in the middle of the year and mainly overcoming the situation in the Qualifiers.
“I am moved by the importance of the country and its players. “I am convinced that we can long to have the possibility of being in a World Cup again,” said the former Peru coach, who briefly played for Palmeiras, at a press conference.
READ MORE
+ + “Richarlison does way too much defensively”: Naylor urges greater attack focus for the striker
+ + Ederson returns in time for Manchester City’s crucial FA Cup match against Tottenham
+ + Cruzeiro boss, Ronaldo Nazário, commends young team’s spirit despite Copa São Paulo Jr. final loss
El Tigre arrives to replace his compatriot Eduardo Berizzo, who resigned in November after a meager campaign that left the team in eighth place in the tournament that defines the places for the 2026 World Cup, with only one victory among the six games played. The precedent that generates optimism for Chilean supporters is Peru’s qualification for Russia 2018 after 36 years of absences.
La Roja’s last participation in a World Cup was in Brazil 2014. Gareca’s debut in this competition will not be easy, since he has to play against Argentina as a visitor on September 5 and then he will have two home games, against Bolivia and Brazil .
𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐢ó𝐧 𝐲 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚.. 🔥
Ricardo Gareca liderará el camino de #LaRoja 🇨🇱 en sus próximos desafíos.
¡Bienvenido, profesor! 👋🐅#SomosLaRoja #SelecciónChilena pic.twitter.com/j84BrrHafu
— Selección Chilena (@LaRoja) January 25, 2024
Gareca will direct the team until the end of the Qualifiers and his contract will be automatically extended if he achieves one of the places. According to what was reported by local media, he will receive close to three million dollars annually.
The new coach’s absolute debut will be in a friendly against France on the FIFA date in March. While starting in June he will seek to have a good Copa América in the United States: Chile is in Group A along with Argentina, Peru and the winner of the key between Canada and Trinidad and Tobago.
