“At no time has it crossed my mind to leave the Peruvian team, I have a contract to fulfill and my intention is to fulfill it,” he said.
In a remote press conference, from Buenos Aires, Gareca thus cleared up speculations that linked his trip to his country with a possible resignation and on the alleged reasons he indicated that they are reasons for reflection.
“But not to the point of resigning, I am not used to that,” he said, explaining that he needs to take time to reflect, to improve the team, which did not win any of the four pre-World Cup matches he has played and only has one point.
He added that the reflection at no time involves leaving office, because “we have a mission that is to take the National Team back to where we believe it has many possibilities, which is the qualification for the World Cup,” from Qatar.
“I am used to facing problems but in my head, and those of my coaching staff and the players around the possibility that we can recover, I am totally convinced of that,” he said.
According to Gareca, despite the difficulties the team faces due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the chances of Peru qualifying are the same as at the beginning of the tie, despite the fact that it was not an ideal start.
On the other hand, he disagreed with the government decision to include professional soccer in the quarantine that began last Sunday, which according to sports commentators reflects their concern about the lack of activity of selected or potential players.
On the preparation of the team, he said that it is strictly virtual, “we are tied in those conditions, we believe that the players, beyond this inconvenience, as they are professionals and have an interest, are trying to get in the best shape.”
jha/mrs