An open secret that the Chilean Football Federation has now confirmed. Trans-Andean Ricardo Gareca arrived in the country this Thursday to sign his contract until 2026 and will be presented in a talk where he will present his main playing ideas and the project that aims to return the team to a World Cup.
“Their bond will be valid until the end of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will be immediately extendable if they qualify,” the Federation reported.
The strategist arrives after a long negotiation, which began shortly after Eduardo Berizzo resigned after the goalless draw against Paraguay on the double date last November and where Gareca was always the number one candidate.
Now the coach is preparing for the friendly on March 23 with an opponent to be confirmed, which is expected to be Morocco, while on the 26th of the same month they will face France, finalists in the Qatar 2022 World Cup and champions in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. After the luxury matches, he will have his official debut in the Copa América United States 2024 against Peru.
The Argentine will be officially presented this Thursday, which is why he arrived in the country in absolute silence and escorted by security personnel and ANFP officials. In addition, he left through a side door of the airport to avoid the crowds.
With a huge smile
The strategist was seen around 2:00 p.m. at the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, where he was picked up and later transferred to a hotel for his announcement event.
Before going up to his room, Gareca greeted journalists present and expressed his first – and brief – words.
At the scene, the coach admitted feeling “Very happy!” for leading the ‘Everyone’s Team’.
Afterwards, Gareca was asked if Chile was a challenge he was waiting for and his answer was overwhelming: a “yes”, along with a smile.
Finally, regarding his expectations, the ‘Tigre’ admitted that “of course” they are high.
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