Reinaldo Rueda says goodbye to the Chilean national team

With a message on social media, coach Reinaldo Rueda said goodbye to the Chilean national team, which he joined in January 2018. The Colombian reached an agreement with the Chilean Football Federation (FFCH) to step down as coach, clearing the way for him to become the new coach of his country’s national team.

In a statement, the Chilean Federation announced the departure of the Colombian, after “recognizing and thanking him for his dedication, work, and commitment.”

Next came the coach’s farewell. “I want to thank Mr. Arturo Salah (FFCH president) and his board for giving us the great responsibility of leading the national team, the entire Chilean football family for their support, and the Quilín and Pinto Durán colleagues for their excellent work and commitment,” posted the 63-year-old coach.

“Finally, my special thanks to all the players, who gave their all to achieve the desired goal. To them, my admiration for their dedication and respect for the team and our work,” he added.

On the Roja's bench, Rueda achieved an average of 43% in a total of 27 games coached, with 9 wins, 8 draws, and 10 losses.

pic.twitter.com/BHazx7ltq0

— Reinaldo Rueda (@ReinaldoRuedaDT) January 14, 2021

Meanwhile, the Chilean federation announced his "freedom to seek a new coaching staff, in accordance with the defined guidelines and the objective of qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar."

According to local media, the FFCH will receive an indemnity of approximately $500,000, less than a quarter of the original amount stipulated in his employment contract's termination clause, where the figure was over two million dollars.

Colombian bench

Rueda is the candidate to replace Carlos Queiroz in the Colombian national team, who was dismissed last December.

Rueda's departure from Chile took place under peculiar conditions. The president of Chilean football announced in December that he had given Rueda permission to negotiate with the Colombian federation to replace Queiroz.

These negotiations took place amid high expectations in both countries. In Chile, Rueda's departure was welcomed as his management had not been well received, while his arrival on the Colombian team is a desire of the Colombian football fans.

This would be Rueda's second time taking charge of Colombia. The first cycle was between 2002 and 2006 when he directed 43 matches with a performance of 53%. (D)