Wanchope resigns as Ticos coach
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| AFP |
Paulo Wanchope has stepped down as Costa Rica coach less than seven months on from bein appointed to the role with the nation he won 73 caps for.
Part of Jorge Luis Pinto's backroom staff at 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, the former striker resigned from his position following a physical altercation after the 0-0 draw with Panama in Olympic qualifying. "I want to send my apologies for the incident to everybody in Panama and, obviously, Costa Rica also," Wanchope said.
"I have always been characterized by defending the country and behaving myself in the best way. We are human beings and react in the wrong way. I don’t wish this plight on anyone.”
The former Manchester City forward had achieved some success at the helm of Los Ticos, having taken charge in an interim basis following their impressive run to the quarter-finals at last summer's global showpiece.
He triumphed in the Central American Cup last September, which will see Costa Rica contend the Copa America Centenario next year, though could only reach the last eight of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, being eliminated by a last-second extra-time against Mexico.