Nicolás Larcamón, head coach of Spanish Segunda División club Real Sporting de Gijón, has emerged on the candidate list for the vacant Chile national football team position, according to reports from ESPN Chile and local press outlets. La Roja currently operates under interim manager Nicolás Córdova after a managerial transition, though that temporary tenure is scheduled to conclude within weeks as the Federación de Fútbol de Chile evaluates permanent successors.
Manuel Pellegrini Remains Primary Target for ANFP
The Gerencia de Selecciones within the Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Profesional (ANFP) maintains an active dossier of managerial candidates to replace Córdova. Alongside Larcamón, the federation’s shortlist includes Julen Lopetegui and Gustavo Álvarez. However, Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini remains the primary target for the position, with local reports indicating that Pellegrini holds an informal understanding with his current club allowing him to depart should the Chilean federation make a formal approach.
Larcamón commands an active contract with Sporting de Gijón running through June 2027, featuring an additional optional year tied to sporting objectives. Because his potential departure would involve a direct club-to-club transition rather than a resignation—contrasting with past managerial movements at Gijón—any agreement would require financial compensation negotiated directly with the Asturian club’s ownership under Grupo Orlegi. Larcamón maintains strong professional ties in South America, having previously managed Chilean sides Deportes Antofagasta, Huachipato, and Curicó Unido between 2017 and 2020 prior to stints in Mexico and Brazil.
Federation Elections and the Timeline for Decision-Making
The definitive choice for the permanent Chile coaching role will not occur until November, following upcoming presidential elections within the ANFP. Outgoing federation president Pablo Milad confirmed that the incoming board will shoulder the responsibility of appointing the new manager. Meanwhile, federation official Felipe Correa continues evaluating candidate profiles and compiling technical reports for the governing body.
Alternative candidates present varied contractual hurdles. Julen Lopetegui is currently under contract with the Qatar national team through 2027, meaning the ANFP would need to negotiate a release with the Qatar Football Association while covering a substantial salary package. Gustavo Álvarez recently assumed managerial duties at Ecuadorian side Liga Deportiva Universitaria after securing domestic titles with Huachipato and Universidad de Chile, signing a one-year agreement with his new club according to sporting director Eduardo Álvarez.
Sporting de Gijón Prepares for Cádiz Amid Rumors
Inside the Escuela de Fútbol de Mareo, Larcamón remains entirely focused on his day-to-day duties with Sporting de Gijón. The squad observed a scheduled rest day before beginning training sessions for their upcoming league fixture against Cádiz CF. The Argentine coach’s arrival in European football has drawn intense local scrutiny regarding his tactical model, with supporters at El Molinón expressing vocal frustration despite recent results, though club executives maintain full backing of his technical staff.
Injury management has complicated Sporting’s campaign under Larcamón. Persistent physical setbacks since pre-season have prevented the coaching staff from deploying a consistent starting eleven, forcing constant adjustments during preparation weeks. The team resumes work on Wednesday at Mareo with specific recovery protocols designed to stabilize the squad ahead of the matchday.
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