Ricardo Gareca, former coach of the Peruvian National Football Team, is being considered by the Paraguayan Football Association (APF) to take charge of the "albirrojo" team starting from the double round of October Eliminations.
This news comes amid rumors of a possible dismissal of Guillermo Barros Schelotto, the current coach of the Paraguayan national team. Gareca, who recently attended a promotional event in Peru, has emerged as a leading candidate to guide the Paraguayan national team in their attempt to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
NECESSARY CHANGE?
The interest in Gareca has intensified following Paraguay's disappointing start in the Eliminations under the direction of Schelotto, with a 0-0 draw against Peru followed by a defeat against Venezuela. Paraguayan media sources, including Versus and ABC, affirm that after these results, Schelotto has lost the support of the association.
The APF management considers these results equivalent to the loss of six crucial points in the Eliminations. Gareca is known for his experience in the Eliminations, leading the Peruvian national team to qualify for the World Cup after a 36-year absence.
His appointment as head coach would be an attempt to replicate this success with the Paraguayan national team. However, the APF is exploring other options in case Gareca does not reach an agreement. Gustavo Alfaro, who coached the Ecuadorian national team in the 2022 World Cup, is rumored to be on the list of possible candidates.
GARECA IN THE PERUVIAN NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM
Gareca has an impressive record as coach of the Peruvian national team: he participated in 96 matches, achieved 39 victories, 23 draws, and suffered 34 defeats. During his tenure, the Peruvian teams scored 120 goals and conceded 109. He also led the team to the World Cup in 2018 and the final of the 2019 Copa America.