Miguel “Piojo” Herrera has left his role as head coach of the Costa Rica national football team following the team’s failure to qualify. In his final press conference, Herrera addressed questions about the composition of his coaching staff and referenced Paulo César Wanchope, who had initially served as his assistant before leaving to join Saprissa.
When asked if not having a Costa Rican assistant contributed to the lack of identity within the national federation’s sporting structure, Herrera responded: “We have played all our lives against Central American teams and selections. We are not getting to know them; I have come to play with teams, with the national team, as a player and as a coach, so we know each other well. We know the area; the result did not happen and it has nothing to do with history.”
Herrera explained why he did not replace Wanchope after his departure: “I had a Costa Rican assistant, who was Wanchope (Paulo), and he made a decision: he left and then the presidency said that we were fine, that we worked well. It was not that I did not accept one. We worked closely with the U-17s, U-20s and everything was fine with them. My goalkeeper coach is Costa Rican. I came with four Mexicans: me and three more, it’s not like I came with twenty.”
He also emphasized that his staff was smaller than previous foreign coaching groups: “We were not like previous ones, of nine or fifteen. It was me and three more. I adapted to what was here. Wanchope made his decision and everyone has an aspiration. I congratulate him and have a great relationship with him. It’s not that I didn’t accept a Costa Rican assistant; I worked hand in hand with Ricardo (González) in his work with goalkeepers and try to learn from everyone,” said Herrera.
Responding to comments about lacking experience in World Cup qualifying campaigns, Herrera stated: “All our lives we have lived in Concacaf. It’s not true that Mexico played somewhere else. Don’t come saying I don’t know the area; I know it perfectly as a player and coach.”
With elimination confirmed for Costa Rica’s men’s national team, Herrera’s contract stipulates he will no longer continue in charge now that qualification was not achieved. The Executive Committee of the Costa Rican Football Federation will decide on next steps for the national team.
