The Peruvian Football Federation (FPF) has turned its attention towards Jorge Luis Pinto who could be drawn to take up the position as new head coach of Peru after his outstanding leadership with Costa Rica at the recently-held World Cup.
Alfredo Brito, FPF's Deputy President, is committed to persuade the feredation to hire a global-on-the-rise manager such as the 61-year-old veteran coach in a bid to improve Peruvian soccer and the performance of the national team.
In that sense, he has pledged to meet as soon as possible with the top official of football's governing body in the Andean nation, Manuel Burga, in order to address the above matter.
"I am part of the millions of Peruvians who want to stop suffering for not going to a World Cup,” he told a local radio station, adding, “I will talk with Manuel in order to attempt to hire Jorge Luis Pinto”.
The Colombian is coming off a surprisingly successful run to the World Cup in Brazil quarter-final as coach of Costa Rica, and was admired for his deffensive, attack-oriented style of play.
If this move is carried out, Pinto would be replacing Uruguay's native Pablo Bengochea, who is currently in the manager position of Peru's senior men national team.
Bengoechea's contract with the FPF runs until December 2014 and has been slated for extension if and only Peru improves its current disappointing game.
Costa Rica's national team surprised international soccer by advancing to the tournament's quarterfinals after coming through the group of three former world champions without a loss.
The Ticos were able to beat football heavyweights Italy and Uruguay in the group stage and gained a draw with lacklustre England. Following, Jorge Luis Pinto staged a defensive performance to deny the Greeks a win before putting them to the sword on penalties in the last 16.
In the end they were only beaten by a defensive Netherlands side and an ingenious move by manager Louis Van Gaal who threw on goalkeeper Tim Krul in a successful effort to unnerve the brave Center American team.
Thus, Costa Rica were able to exceed all expectations to become heroes of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
(END) JSO/LOG
Published: 7/15/2014