The Paraguayan Football Association (PFA) named Argentine Daniel Garnero as the new national coach today.
His contract runs until the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup conclude.
The PFA expressed good wishes for Garnero and his team in an official statement.
Garnero, 54, just clinched a championship with Libertad in the 2023 Apertura event.
This Wednesday, he led the team to the Copa Paraguay quarter-finals, defeating Sportivo San Lorenzo.
The new contract could extend if Paraguay qualifies for the 2026 World Cup. The country last played in this global event in 2010.
Garnero replaces Guillermo Barros Esquelotto. The latter could only manage one point in the first two qualifier matches.
Next up, Garnero faces world champions Argentina on October 12. Then, he hosts Bolivia on October 17 in Asunción.
Hailing from Buenos Aires, Garnero boasts eight championships in Paraguay. These include titles with Olimpia, Libertad, and Guaraní.
He started coaching in Paraguay with Sol de América in 2015.
There, he achieved a historic qualification for the 2016 Copa Sudamericana, marking the club’s return to international events after 24 years.
Later, he secured third place in the 2016 Apertura event with Sol de América.
Consequently, Guaraní hired him and immediately won the Clausura championship the same year.
Background
Garnero’s success in domestic leagues shows he understands the local game well. His championship wins speak to his ability to build winning teams.
The upcoming matches will be a litmus test. Facing Argentina, a soccer powerhouse, is daunting but also an opportunity.
Success there could boost team morale and fan support exponentially.
The 2026 World Cup looms as the ultimate goal. Qualifying for it would cement Garnero’s legacy and uplift Paraguayan soccer.
Missing out could lead to another period of introspection for the nation’s soccer program.
The choice of Garnero as the coach is strategic. His familiarity with Paraguayan soccer can bridge gaps quicker than an outsider might.
This local understanding is invaluable given the short timespan to the qualifiers.