Ricardo Gareca Eyed by América de Cali After Chile Setback

Following a disappointing stint with Chile’s national team, Ricardo Gareca is being considered by América de Cali for a potential managerial role, according to La República, which cited journalist Steven Arce. The Colombian club, home to Peruvian midfielder Luis Ramos, failed to reach the Apertura final despite a 1-0 win over Junior, and current coach Jorge 'Polilla' da Silva is expected to depart.

Gareca, 67, is no stranger to Colombian football. He had a brief spell in the mid-2000s coaching both América de Cali and Santa Fe. While his tenure didn’t yield major success, his name remains well-regarded within the league. “They’re once again looking at someone like Gareca,” Arce noted on his YouTube show.

The veteran coach has expressed a desire to eventually return to Talleres de Córdoba in Argentina, but his next move is still undecided. “He was left very worn out after the Chile job,” Arce admitted, though he emphasized Gareca’s reputation remains intact. “Chile is a mess. That team would have been too much for anyone.”

Meanwhile, in Peru, speculation has begun about a possible return of Gareca to the national team amid poor qualifying results under interim coach Óscar Ibáñez. Journalist Pedro García suggested that such a move would be both realistic and politically strategic within the Peruvian Football Federation.

With a résumé that includes stints in Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and Brazil—as well as leading Peru to the 2018 World Cup—Gareca remains a respected figure in South American football. Whether he heads back to Colombia, returns to Peru, or opts for a fresh challenge, his next destination is generating growing anticipation.