Carlos Bianchi Rules Himself Out Of Chile Job

Carlos Bianchi today denied reports that he was considering a return to management with the Chilean national team.
Boca Juniors coaching legend Carlos Bianchi officially ruled himself out of the running to take over the Chile national team, as Roja officials battle to find a name willing to succeed the popular Marcelo Bielsa.

'El Virrey' had been linked with the job ever since November, when Argentine compatriot Bielsa announced he would be stepping down if Jorge Segovia took over the FA presidency. After a drawn-out negotiation process 'El Loco' officially resigned last Friday, and Bianchi took the opportunity in a live chat with ESPN to end hopes he would be the next trainer.

"I want to take the chance to respond to everyone who has asked me about Chile. I have received no offer and I would be talking about a possibility, something I don't like. The Chile Seleccion should take the opportunity to hire a native trainer that is good enough for the Rojo," stated the 61-year-old, who has been out of football since resigning as Boca manager last January.

Bianchi enjoys an almost unrivalled reputation in Argentina and South America, after leading Velez Sarsfield and then Boca Juniors to the most successful spells in club history. With Velez, 'El Virrey' lifted three national championships and one Copa Libertadores, in an incredible three years between 1993 and 1996.

In two subsequent spells with Boca, Bianchi helped the Xeneixe to a grand total of nine major national and international trophies, including a memorable Intercontinental Cup triumph in 2000 against the Galacticos of Real Madrid.

Chile officials are now expected to focus their efforts on fellow Argentines Alejandro Sabella, Claudio Borghi and Jose Pekerman, all currently unattached.