Ricardo Antonio La Volpe: Costa Rica Bound
Argentinian football manager Ricardo La Volpe is Costa Rica bound. The outspoken La Volpe reportedly met with Costa Rican officials several weeks ago but he refused to sign a agreement with them due to arguments over his compensation if he were fired. His salary is reported to be in the vicinity of $50 thousand per month. After a second meeting held in San Jose all contractual disputes were resolved and Costa Rica Football Federation President Eduardo Li presented the 58-year-old with a red and blue Costa Rican jersey that the new coach wore proudly.
This latest development in the Costa Rica coaching saga comes as a shock to many who never expected the Argentinian to be nominated for the position. His career as a national coach is a recognized one, and the numbers don’t lie, but his abrasive manner has brought many to question his ability to coach in Costa Rica.
During his coaching career, which spans over 10 years, La Volpe has attracted attention as a brilliant tactician whose flexibility during matches shocks his opponents, especially during the more intense stages of a game. He is ready to switch up his offence or his defence at the drop of a hat, and this can create a very unstable environment for competitors.
In 2006, La Volpe led Mexico into the second round of the 2006 World Cup. When asked what we could expect out of him this time in Costa Rica, La Volpe said: “My work will be focused on one objective: qualifying for 2014 and stunning in 2014. That is the fundamental goal and objective.”
He refers to the upcoming 2014 Soccer World Cup Championship which will be held in Brazil for the first time since 1950. In 2006 Costa Rica’s performance was deplorable and in 2010 they failed to qualify.
La Volpe begins the arduous task of whipping the Costa Rica national team into shape on November 1, and as he begins work, a restless nation will undoubtedly be watching his every move.
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