Electric Chair
Being a technical director is one of the most unstable jobs in Peru. Maybe not only in our country. The reality tells us that ten coaches have left their positions in the current 2017 "Descentralizado", in a premature search for improvement. Is this the magic solution?
Looking for employment
Four rounds of the "Torneo de Verano" had been played when Alianza Atletico and Comerciantes Unidos announced the dismissal of their coaches due to poor results. Three weeks were enough for this important decision. The incredible thing happened a few days later: Real Garcilaso fired their coach after his first (and heavy) defeat.
Six months of 2017 have passed, but ten teams from the "Descentralizado" have already changed their coach. This means that more than half of the clubs decided to change direction before the Apertura Tournament has finished. Only Alianza Lima, Ayacucho FC, Cantolao, Melgar, U. San Martin, and UTC trust in their technical commands.
But, is this the best remedy to improve? The last team to win the "Descentralizado" with a coaching change was Sporting Cristal in 2005. 'Chemo' del Solar took over from Edgardo Bauza and celebrated at the end of the season. Eleven years have passed since a dismissal has brought a title.
The latest cases
| Year | Club | Coaches |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Sporting Cristal | Edgardo Bauza, José del Solar |
| 2003 | Alianza Lima | José Torres, Julio García, Gustavo Costas |
| 2001 | Alianza Lima | Paulo Autuori, Jaime Duarte, Ivan Brzic, Bernabé Herráez |
| 1999 | Universitario | Miguel Company, Roberto Chale |
The other side of the coin is shown in relegation. All the clubs that have been relegated in the last eight years have changed their strategists. Roberto Mosquera is the last one to stay in the position for the entire season despite Coronel Bolognesi being relegated from the top category in 2009.
In recent seasons, the average of teams that decided to support their coaching staff does not exceed 50%. The most alarming case was in the 2010 "Descentralizado": only four clubs respected the contract of their coach.
| Year | N | C |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 8 | 8 |
| 2015 | 6 | 11 |
| 2014 | 6 | 10 |
| 2013 | 5 | 11 |
| 2012 | 6 | 10 |
| 2011 | 8 | 8 |
| 2010 | 4 | 12 |
N: Did not change C: Changed
Melgar is the club that has been with the same coach for the longest time. Juan Reynoso has been leading them since 2014. (USI)
Does it only happen in Peru?
In the best leagues in the world, quick dismissals also occur. Valencia from Spain ended their contract with Pako Ayestaran after losing their first four matches of the current edition of La Liga. Seven days later, Paco Jémez had the same fate at Granada.
Swansea from the Premier League fired Francesco Guidolin on matchday seven, on October 3, 2017. In today's football, a poor start to the season results in questioning and even the departure of coaches.
There are other curious cases like the departure of Rafael Benitez one day after winning the Club World Cup with Inter Milan. The Spaniard had not even been in the position for six months, but his situation was completely unstable.