After serving as an insightful commentator, Miguel 'El Piojo' Herrera departs Fox Sports to embrace the role of head coach for the Costa Rican national soccer team.
The vibrant sports community was abuzz on January 8, 2025, when Miguel “El Piojo” Herrera was named the new head coach of the Costa Rican national soccer team.
Fox Sports, where Herrera had been working as a panelist and commentator, marked his departure with a heartfelt video tribute shared across its social media platforms.
The video celebrated his multifaceted role at the network, where he had engaged audiences as a commentator, interviewer, and a key participant in programs such as 'La Última Palabra'.
In a poignant message accompanying the video, Fox Sports expressed their gratitude, writing, 'We will miss you, @miguelherreradt! Thank you for everything and much success,' complemented by the Costa Rican flag emoji.
Despite not having officially signed his contract as of the announcement, Herrera has wasted no time in launching his new venture.
Reports indicate that he has already devised a work schedule, commencing with talent scouting at
Costa Rica’s Primera División matches this weekend.
His enthusiasm is palpable, as evidenced by his proactive discussions with his assistant Álvaro Galindo and the rest of his technical team, urging them to be prepared to start working immediately upon their arrival in
Costa Rica.
Herrera’s eagerness extends to his cooperation with Paulo César Wanchope, a figure suggested for inclusion in his coaching team.
This alliance signifies Herrera's readiness to embed himself in the Costa Rican football culture and maximize existing local expertise.
Fox Sports' farewell underscores a significant transition for Herrera, who leaves behind media offers likely more lucrative in favor of the national coaching role.
This decision highlights his commitment to the national team and eagerness to rekindle his career as a national team coach.
His selection came as a surprise move on the morning of January 7th, after financial disagreements with other candidates, including Guillermo Barros Schelotto and Ignacio Ambriz, shifted the Football Federation's focus to Herrera.
By 9 a.m. the following morning, the Executive Committee had decisively favored him.
The anticipation surrounding Herrera's arrival in
Costa Rica is matched by his commitment to quickly familiarize himself with the team and assume full responsibility for the forthcoming friendly match against the United States on January 22.
While the Federation initially hesitated to entrust this immediate responsibility to a newcomer, Herrera’s assertive approach reflects his confidence and readiness to engage deeply with the team’s strategies and potential.
Herrera's previous accolades, such as leading Mexico to victory in the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup and being recognized for his dynamic matches, reinforce
Costa Rica's hopes for invigorated team performance.
As Herrera begins his tenure, his success will be observed closely, with talents such as Joel Campbell awaiting his guidance as the national squad readies for upcoming challenges including the Gold Cup qualifiers.
No stranger to public scrutiny, Herrera’s departure from Mexico was met with considerable media attention.
Upon leaving from Benito Juárez Airport, he navigated a swarm of journalists seeking his comments, highlighting his celebrity in the realm of international football coaching.
His final remarks before boarding expressed gratitude toward the Costa Rican Federation and optimism about reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As he embarks on this new chapter, the football world watches with keen interest to see how 'El Piojo' will deploy his passionate coaching style in steering the Costa Rican national team towards new heights.