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On October 20, 2021, Guillermo Barros Schelotto was announced as the new coach of the Paraguay National Team, replacing his compatriot Eduardo Berizzo (now in charge of Chile). Since then, the Argentine coach has been in charge of the Paraguayan team for 17 matches, including World Cup qualifiers for Qatar 2022, the 2026 World Cup in Canada, United States, and Mexico, as well as friendly matches. The balance of his tenure? Four wins, four draws, and nine losses. Now, the start of this new process was what put his work under scrutiny.
Paraguay drew 0-0 against the Peruvian National Team at the Antonio Aranda stadium in Ciudad del Este and then lost 1-0 against Venezuela in an away game. Since then, the Paraguayan press began to point out that the 'Mellizo's' cycle had already come to an end and that the Paraguayan Football Association (APF) had more than one candidate to replace him, including a well-known figure: 'Tigre' Ricardo Gareca.
Well, this Saturday, the Paraguayan Football Association - through its social media accounts - announced that "the process led by coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto at the helm of the Paraguayan National Team has come to an end." They also state: "We wish him and his coaching staff the best of success, while thanking them for their dedication and commitment shown during their time leading the national team."
Despite being the start of the World Cup qualification process, the idea of the president of the Paraguayan Football Association (APF), Robert Harrison, would be to prioritize results for the upcoming matches against Argentina in Buenos Aires (on matchday 3) and Bolivia in Ciudad del Este. Against 'Verde,' Paraguay no longer has room for error in the fight to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
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Would he already have a new destination?
Although it is true that Guillermo Barros Schelotto's current situation is not pleasant, there is a club that would be searching for him this season: Racing Club de Avellaneda. The 'Academia' team is not going through its best moment and Fernando Gago would be dismissed from his position; for this reason, the option of the 'Mellizo' gains strength in the Professional League. Yes, his experience in Argentine football (he coached Boca Juniors and Lanús) would give him an advantage to return to his homeland. Another option that the club is considering is Gustavo Alfaro, who became available after not continuing with the Ecuadorian National Team.
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