Is he leaving or staying?

The continuity of Ricardo Gareca in the national team has not ceased to be news in the sports field, despite the fact that the 'Tigre' is taking some time off with his family in Argentina. But from there, other voices can also be heard, like that of Reinaldo Merlo.

Interviewed by the media Depor, 'Mostaza', remembered for his feat of leading Racing Club to win its first local title after 35 years of drought (Torneo Apertura 2001), did not hesitate to give his impressions about the work of 'El Flaco' in Peru and even dared to give him some advice.

Merlo, master of the philosophy of "step by step" evoked by Gareca for his campaign with the national team, saw his results very positively. "(Gareca) didn't have that dose of luck that you need in a World Cup, but he played a very good football. With the ball on the ground, faithful to his philosophy."

Although he couldn't advance from the group stage, the renowned midfielder of River Plate considered that the national team coach "had a great World Cup. Not everything is measured in terms of results. The work is something deeper. Now, what he needs is to sustain this good moment," he added.

But that's not all. 'Mostaza' went further by stating that the destiny of 'El Tigre' is here. "I hope he stays. He should do it because he has the material to exploit. He has done things very well. He gave Peru the push it needed."

"It's purely his decision. But I, from the bottom of my heart, wish he stays in Peru," he added. In the experienced coach's vision, the national team "has a bunch of very good and supportive players in every line."

"Ricardo has built a compact team. That is precisely the great merit of 'El Flaco'. As I told you, Peru should have qualified for the round of 16 (...) Peru has returned to playing as it did in the 70s, when it had footballers with very good technique... talented ones."

This return to the roots of the team is key for what is to come, he asserted. "(Peru) always had that kind of individualities. Seriously, I see them very well to face Qatar 2022."