In another episode of the controversial statements that Arturo Vidal usually makes, the victim was once again Ricardo Gareca which left the midfielder, along with other historic members of the Chilean team, out of the call for the next double date of the South American Qualifiers.
On this occasion, the Colo Colo midfielder did not use his streaming channel or his social networks to attack the Argentine coach, but rather did so in a press conference prior to the match with U. Catlica for the local tournament.
I would like journalists to get angry. If I say what I think they will kill me. Why don’t you say what is happening in the national team, why do you expect me to say it, I started the two-time American championship with the Chilean national team.
I would have to be there even if I wasn’t playing football… Me, Huaso (Mauricio Isla), Charles (Aranguiz), Marcelo (Daz), those who are active must be there because the national team needs us. There is a coach with a process, but you cannot face Brazil with just any player, you are risking being left out of another World Cup. You can’t face Brazil without great players. How can Huaso not be there if he was the last captain. That bothers and they don’t say it. They expect me to speak in the Twitter or in the Instagramargued the 37-year-old midfielder.
Far from ending the bombs against Gareca, Arturo redoubled the bet: He was left out of the Copa America while still doing well. Is there anyone better than me in my position or who has the experience of facing Brazil? NO, there isn’t. The selection is wrong and everyone knows it. That bothers me a lot. If I had any contact with Gareca? I spoke with him for five minutes and did not speak again, he never said anything to me again.
Vidal lapidary on the present and future of the Chilean national team
To conclude his forceful statements, the experienced midfielder showed his concern about La Roja’s progress ahead of the next two games, hosting Brazil (Thursday 10/10) in Santiago and visiting Colombia, in Barranquilla (Tuesday 10/15).
“It’s difficult, I don’t see any direction when you face two of the strongest teams like Colombia, with terrible potential, and Brazil, which wakes up on the right foot and can score four goals against you. We suffered it with the golden generation, Imagine with this young team. If you want to throw away the Qualifiers, ok, but we have a chance to qualify for the World Cup. We lost a lot, but I hope we do well, that we get a point, but I don’t care. fear. I say things as I feel them, but it is difficult to get any points in these two gamescerr.
Gareca’s numbers as DT of Chile
Since the Argentine coach took over in Chile at the beginning of 2024, the reality is that the results have not been as expected. In the eight matches they have led so far, La Roja managed to achieve two victories (friendlies against Albania and Paraguay), two draws (Canada and Peru for the Copa América) and four defeats (friendlies with France, Argentina for the Copa América and Argentina and Bolivia by Qualifiers).
Furthermore, to generate even greater concern among fans, in the last edition of the Copa América not only did they not win any game, but they were eliminated in the first round. As if that were not enough, Chile has five points in eight qualifying rounds, leaving it in ninth position, only above Peru (three points) and four points behind Paraguay, today in the playoffs.
JP