The Argentinian Eduardo Berizzo would likely be the coach chosen to lead Chile’s national team, aiming to replace Martín Lasarte, who left the post after not reaching the goal of securing World Cup qualification for 2022 in Qatar.
The arrival of “Toto,” who spent time in Chile as Marcelo Bielsa’s assistant and later secured O’Higgins’ first title in 2013, is reportedly imminent. If his appointment is confirmed, Berizzo would be taking a second turn as a national team manager after guiding Paraguay since 2019, following the surprising dismissal of Colombian Juan Carlos Osorio.
Berizzo’s tenure with Paraguay ended after 31 matches, including friendlies, Copa América, and South American qualifiers. During those games, his team recorded seven wins, 13 draws, and 11 losses, yielding a 36.57% win rate. Paraguay scored 31 goals and conceded 39 under his leadership. Across the full set of 93 possible points, the side accumulated 34. His first challenge with Chile would be a friendly against South Korea, followed by the Kirin Cup in Japan in June.
The Kirin Cup, last staged in 2016 when Bosnia and Herzegovina won the tournament by defeating Denmark, will feature Chile, along with host nation Japan and Ghana.
There is a short list of candidates, and the next La Roja coach will be announced in the coming hours or days, according to Pablo Milad, president of the ANFP. Berizzo, with experience in Europe and Chile, remains a strong candidate, though patience is required as the final details are resolved. The team is expected to begin travel for Asia soon, with a view to joining the national squad in June.
Lasarte and the possible arrival of Berizzo
In a conversation in Uruguay, the former Chile coach stated that he had a lengthy discussion with the candidate who might succeed him at Juan Pinto Durán. One topic that stood out during the interview on RadioSport 890 was a contract clause that could extend Lasarte’s deal if qualification for the top tournament was achieved, a clause reactivated after the federation’s complaint over the handling of a match issue with Byron Castillo, which led FIFA to open a disciplinary process.
“Could he return to the Red? That’s not the case. I was surprised. I haven’t considered any scenario, and I’m clear that Berizzo is a strong candidate. We must see how the situation unfolds and what is signed beforehand,” Lasarte remarked.
Regarding his talk with the 52-year-old coach, the Uruguayan noted that Berizzo raised the same contract matter in their exchange. The discussion, conducted more as a courtesy between rivals who have known each other in Chile, emphasized a recognition of Berizzo’s service to Chile and his educational influence from Marcelo Bielsa, along with notable performances in several assignments.
Lasarte added that Berizzo would be a highly regarded choice, trusted and respected by players, which is a key factor in the equation.
Attribution: Goal