Gareca Unfazed by Potential Di María Tribute in Argentina: ‘I Don’t Care What They Do’

Ricardo Gareca, the Argentine coach of the Chilean national team, has made it clear that he is not concerned about the possibility of Argentina honoring Ángel Di María during their upcoming World Cup qualifier against La Roja in September. Gareca, who has previously played for clubs like Boca Juniors and Vélez Sarsfield, downplayed the significance of such a tribute and also rejected the idea of intentionally injuring opponents, a suggestion made by former goalkeeper and current TV commentator Nicolás Peric.

Peric, who has played for teams like Audax Italiano, Rangers, Cobresal, Olimpia de Paraguay, and Gençlerbirliği de Turquía, surprised many with his comments, suggesting that Argentina should put Raúl Ormeño in and have the Bocón [Di María] give him the same kick he gave Branco in the Nacional. Remember that? And fracture his tibia and fibula, there you go.

Regarding Peric’s remarks, Gareca was critical, stating: I am against anything to do with injuries and that kind of thing in professional sports. I reject all of that. It has nothing to do with football. I’m not going to get into a controversy because everyone has different ideas.

Gareca went on to say that he will convey to his players that he doesn’t care what Argentina decides to do for their team, and that if they choose to honor Di María, they are within their rights to do so. The Argentine coach emphasized that Chile’s focus will be on trying to win the match and secure their own qualification.

Gareca acknowledged that Di María is one of Argentina’s most important players, but reiterated that his priority is to ensure that Chile puts forth their best effort. He stated: The reality of Argentina is completely different from that of Chile, and I have to take care of getting the game done and doing the best I can to add points. And if Argentina wants to give importance or not, that’s Argentina’s problem.

The Argentine coach concluded by expressing his belief that the Argentine national team has always been a serious and professional squad, and that he is not concerned with what they decide to do, as his focus is on ensuring that Chile puts forth their best performance to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Conclusion

Ricardo Gareca’s comments demonstrate his unwavering focus on the task at hand, which is to guide the Chilean national team to success in their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Argentina. While he acknowledges the significance of Di María’s career and the potential for Argentina to honor him, Gareca is adamant that his priority is to ensure that Chile puts forth their best effort and secures the necessary points to advance in the qualification process. His dismissal of the potential tribute and his rejection of any suggestions of intentionally injuring opponents underscores his professionalism and his commitment to the sport of football.

References

Gareca’s comments were reported in various media outlets, including DSports in Argentina and La Metro FM.