Lasarte resigns after grand final loss, names Libertadores qualifiers his swansong
In the wake of much speculation, Universidad Católica’s coach Martín Lasarte has announced his resignation just two days after losing the 2013 Apertura grand final to O’Higgins.
The Uruguayan will bow out by attempting to steer his team through Copa Libertadores qualification — commencing with a two leg duel against sixth placed Iquique. Lasarte will have to rally his troops for Friday’s 1,115 mile trip north for Friday’s 10 p.m. kickoff before entertaining Iquique three days later in Santiago.
Católica players will no doubt be tired after Tuesday’s disheartening defeat and the prospect of a long journey is sure to drain them further. However, the team remains favorite to progress, setting up a playoff final against either Palestino or Universidad de Chile, who also play Friday.
“We have not been able to become champions, which is what I wanted more than anything,” Lasarte told press late Thursday. “Decisions must be made and today I step aside. I feel it is the best for the club, the players and for myself — it has not been an easy.”
The announcement has further fuelled rumours that his victor, O’Higgins manager Eduardo Berizzo, is being primed to take the reigns of Católica in the near future. The former Argentina defender demonstrated impressive tactical nous this term — delivering O’Higgins’ fans their first Primera División trophy. Tuesday’s 1-0 victory over the 10 times league winners typified the clinical fashion in which the team operated this season.
However, Berizzo is contracted to O’Higgins until June 2014, which may prove a stumbling block — although the possible appointment of under-17 Católica coach Andrés Romero, on a six month interim basis until the Argentine is available, is reportedly being considered.
Jorge Pellicer, who recently left his post as head coach of bottom placed Huachipato, is also being touted as Lasarte’s possible successor. The Chilean has already managed Católica, leading them to the 2005 Clausura title before leaving to mastermind Huachipato’s unlikely 2012 Clausura triumph.
Things may have turned out differently for Lasarte had his team not fallen foul of changes to the league format. Católica were beaten on goal difference by Unión Española in the 2013 Transition Tournament, missing out on the championship by a whisker. “Los Cruzados “ then topped this season’s table with a vastly superior goal difference only to be denied by a change in rules — resulting in a lost final.
Despite losing Sunday’s encounter with Audax Italiano 2-1, this season’s overachiever Palestino cemented a Copa Libertadores playoff place — finishing up an impressive fifth place in the standings. The team plays fourth placed Universidad de Chile at the Estadio Municipal de La Cisterna on Friday, 7:30 p.m.
“Universidad de Chile are a larger institution than us but if we are smart we can win,” Palestino manager, Emiliano Astorga, told El Mercurio Thursday.
The return leg takes place at Estadio Nacional on Monday.
Copa Libertadores play offs:
Dec. 13, 10p.m.: Iquique vs. Universidad Católica at Estadio Tierra de Campeones
Dec 16, 9:30 p.m.: Universidad Católica vs. Iquique at Estadio San Carlos de Apoquindo,
Dec. 13, 7:30p.m.: Palestino vs. Universidad de Chile at Santa Laura
Dec 16, 7 p.m.: Universidad de Chile
vs. Palestino at Santa Laura
Brasil: Flamengo, Vasco, Fluminense, Botafogo (100% Carioca) Rio > Säo Paulo
MENGÃO TRI DA AMÈRICA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RlVt8zJhXQ