Peru vs Chile, a historic rivalry that Ricardo Gareca rekindled after his announcement as La Roja's new technical director. The Argentine coach lived an idyll with the Blanquirroja, marked by events that will leave an indelible impression on Peruvian fans. The classification according to Russia World Cup 2018 It represented an epic that only the “Tiger” could achieve after 36 long years.
However, his stage ended and Gareca went new ways. The first one wasn't what I expected: Velez Sarsfield, his usual home, was not the best option. After a few months without directing, he accepted Chile's offer and Peruvian fans were immediately polarized, seeing his actions as “betrayal.” It's really?
Ricardo Gareca is the new coach of Chile: did he really betray Peru?
The reactions on social networks indicate that the majority of fans are – in some cases – upset about it Gareca to sign on as a new strategist Chile. Around, Alonso Pahuacho, journalist and author of the dissertation “Identity at stake. The portrayal of the football rivalry between Peru and Chile considered this “riding rage”. heightened nationalism.
—Some Peruvians believe Gareca committed “treason” by traveling to Chile. Do you see it that way?
“It's true, some probably didn't like it, but that's because they don't know or have no idea how the professional football system is managed.” Gareca was without a contract, he was a technician without a job. You are professional and have to work. If Chile's offer was good, Gareca does not have to ask the Peruvian people for permission to sign. Chile isn't a bad team either. Those Peruvians who say it is a “betrayal” are part of an intensified nationalism that does not correspond to these sporting issues.
Gareca is Chile's new coach. Photo: X/Chile.
— Has Gareca's image in Peru lost value after his arrival in the Chilean team?
—For some, yes. In fact, yesterday I listened to a renowned journalist who has already removed Gareca from the poster due to his arrival in Chile. Well, these are “popular” phrases. But some may find it uncomfortable. However, looking at it from a professional perspective, Gareca had local offers and Chile seemed like a good offer. As I tell you, it wasn't that Peru was looking for him, he was a free coach, without a team. Nobody mentions the fact that the Peruvian team didn't want Gareca. He wanted to do it again and again.
Ricardo Gareca: a new element to the historic rivalry Peru vs. Chili?
There is a long-standing rivalry between Peru and Chile. Now is the arrival of Gareca could represent a new justification for the confrontation between the two nations.
—Do you think Gareca's arrival in Chile increases the historic rivalry with Peru?
Could be. If you look at it in a broader context, not just in terms of football. According to popular media discourse, Chile has stolen many things from Peru in recent decades. Not from the historical aspect of the war, but from aspects such as gastronomy: pisco and other types of food. This (Gareca's arrival in Chile) could be added as another element. However, this also has its disadvantages as Gareca was not the current coach of Peru. On the contrary, the Peruvian Federation did everything in its power not to renew Gareca. That's what people don't know.
—Is the rivalry between Peruvians and Chileans the same as on the southern side?
No, the rivalry between Peru and Chile is much greater than the other way around. First, Chile won the war. There we start from something. What is wrong is hatred, resentment and nationalism, which probably increased during the Velasco administration. It was what was taught in schools. At the football level, Chile rebounded over the last decade at a time when Peru was just beginning to become competitive. They saw themselves in a rivalry with their Atlantic colleagues (…). On a sporting level, as can be seen from conversations with colleagues, Chile continues to view Peru as a game of an old classic.