Miguel Herrera Emphasizes Reputation in First Match as Costa Rica Coach
The Mexican coach stresses the importance of upholding Costa Rica's football reputation ahead of his debut match against the USA.
Miguel Herrera will make his debut as the head coach of the Costa Rican national football team in a friendly match against the United States on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.
The match, which takes place at 6 p.m. local time, will serve as Herrera's first opportunity to showcase his coaching philosophy with the team.
Since his appointment, Miguel Herrera has highlighted the need to protect and enhance the reputation of the Costa Rican team, known as 'La Sele'.
In a press conference prior to the match, Herrera emphasized that maintaining the team's historical standing is a priority under his leadership.
Despite having had only five training sessions with the team, he regards the upcoming match as crucial, given that the United States is one of the three teams already qualified for the upcoming World Cup.
The friendly match will feature players from the local league as it does not coincide with an official FIFA date, which restricts the availability of international players.
Herrera, working closely with Paulo Wanchope, a member of the coaching staff, is still in the process of finalizing the lineup and the team captain for the match, decisions he intends to make following the final training session.
Costa Rica has endured challenges to its footballing reputation in recent years, with previous coaches like Luis Fernando Suárez and interim manager Claudio Vivas experiencing difficulties against regional rivals such as Panama.
Herrera inherits a team eager to regain prominence within the CONCACAF region.
The team practiced on Tuesday under cold conditions in Orlando, preparing for a match Herrera regards as an important benchmark.
Herrera notes, 'It's a selection prepared by Paulo, and he knows the players well.
We know it will be a challenging match, given that the U.S. team has had more preparation time.
However, the match is an opportunity to assess player performances ahead of future team selections.'
As Costa Rica faces the United States, Herrera's focus rests firmly on the performance and reputation of the team as it navigates this new phase under his guidance.
The match, which takes place at 6 p.m. local time, will serve as Herrera's first opportunity to showcase his coaching philosophy with the team.
Since his appointment, Miguel Herrera has highlighted the need to protect and enhance the reputation of the Costa Rican team, known as 'La Sele'.
In a press conference prior to the match, Herrera emphasized that maintaining the team's historical standing is a priority under his leadership.
Despite having had only five training sessions with the team, he regards the upcoming match as crucial, given that the United States is one of the three teams already qualified for the upcoming World Cup.
The friendly match will feature players from the local league as it does not coincide with an official FIFA date, which restricts the availability of international players.
Herrera, working closely with Paulo Wanchope, a member of the coaching staff, is still in the process of finalizing the lineup and the team captain for the match, decisions he intends to make following the final training session.
Costa Rica has endured challenges to its footballing reputation in recent years, with previous coaches like Luis Fernando Suárez and interim manager Claudio Vivas experiencing difficulties against regional rivals such as Panama.
Herrera inherits a team eager to regain prominence within the CONCACAF region.
The team practiced on Tuesday under cold conditions in Orlando, preparing for a match Herrera regards as an important benchmark.
Herrera notes, 'It's a selection prepared by Paulo, and he knows the players well.
We know it will be a challenging match, given that the U.S. team has had more preparation time.
However, the match is an opportunity to assess player performances ahead of future team selections.'
As Costa Rica faces the United States, Herrera's focus rests firmly on the performance and reputation of the team as it navigates this new phase under his guidance.
