“Everything has its end, nothing lasts forever,” professes the song of the great Héctor Lavoe. The lyrics of his single can be applied to any context, like what is happening to the Peruvian national football team: Ricardo Gareca is no longer the coach of the national team.
The popular ‘Tigre’ leaves his position after failing to reach an agreement with Agustín Lozano and the leaders of the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF) regarding a possible renewal. The Argentine strategist leaves with countless good memories that the national fans will not forget either.
Here is a review of his best photos as the coach of the national team.
YOU CAN SEE: What triggered Ricardo Gareca's departure from the Peruvian national team?
1. Gareca: presentation as Peru's coach
On March 2, 2015, Ricardo Gareca was presented as Peru's coach with a very difficult goal, but not impossible for him: to lead the team to a World Cup after almost 40 years. Juan Carlos Oblitas, sports director, and Edwin Oviedo, former president of the FPF, were present at the ceremony.
Ricardo Gareca presented by the FPF. Photo: AFP
2. Gareca and his famous “pensá”
On March 23, 2017, in the match between Peru and Venezuela in Mautrín for the Russia 2018 qualifiers, the photographers immortalized the famous gesture of the 'Tigre': "pensá" (like that, with the Argentinean accent).
Ricardo Gareca and a gesture to remember. Photo: AFP
YOU CAN SEE: The heartfelt messages from Peruvian journalists after the departure of the 'Tigre' from the national team
3. Gareca in the sky
On November 15, 2018, the country came to a standstill for the play-off match between Peru and New Zealand. This match meant the return of the national team to the World Cup, and due to the emotion of the national team, Ricardo was lifted in the locker room of the Estadio Nacional.
Ricardo Gareca brought joy back to the Peruvian national team after qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. Photo: Andina
4. Gareca in the World Cup
On December 1, 2018, the group draw for the 2018 World Cup in Russia took place. The Argentine coach was present among the other great coaches from participating countries. Peru was placed in the group with France, Denmark, and Australia.
Ricardo Gareca in the FIFA draw for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Photo: AFP
5. Gareca and an eternal hug
On November 16, 2021, the national team defeated Venezuela 1-2, with a goal from Christian Cueva. If there is one player who will miss Professor Ricardo the most, it is certainly number '10'. The now former coach of Peru acted as a father figure to several of his players, especially to the current Al-Fateh player. In this photo, it can be said that all Peruvians were 'Cuevita' embracing the coach at some point.
Gareca and Cueva in a very emotional hug during the Qatar 2022 qualifiers. Photo: Andina