Chile boss Gareca unsure about future

BARRANQUILLA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) — Ricardo Gareca cast doubt over his future as Chile manager on Tuesday after his team’s 4-0 away defeat to Colombia in their World Cup qualifier.
The result at Estadio Metropolitano in Barranquilla marked La Roja’s fifth consecutive qualifying defeat and leaves them last in the 10-team South American group.
“I need to take time to think,” Gareca told a post-match news conference. “I don’t like to make decisions when emotions are running high. Today was tough and I need to cool down before making any choices.”
The 66-year-old Argentine added: “I don’t have an answer right now. I need to discuss things with my coaching staff and [Chile] officials. There’s still time, but I’m not in a position to make a decision to step down just yet.”
Chile have yet to win a competitive fixture under Gareca, who replaced compatriot Eduardo Berizzo as manager in January.
The former Argentina and Boca Juniors international forward said he took the blame for his team’s performance in the searing heat of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
“The responsibility is mine,” he said. “The team has to react and that’s on me. I can’t blame the players. They’re giving everything, but the current situation isn’t good.” ■