Beccacece steps down as Ecuador manager
Baku, July 1, AZERTAC
Sebastian Beccacece announced he would step down as Ecuador manager after his side's elimination from the World Cup by Mexico on Tuesday, Xinhua reported.
"My contract ends as soon as the World Cup is over, and since we didn't achieve what we promised, the best thing is to step aside," Beccacece told reporters after his side's 2-0 loss to the tournament co-host in the round of 32.
"I'm grateful to the president [Francisco Egas] for his trust and the freedom he gave me, and also to the federation. I'm leaving a role that I value greatly. We've built a legacy."
Beccacece led Ecuador to nine wins, 12 draws and three losses after taking charge of the team in August 2024.
Under his command, Ecuador recovered from a shaky start to South America's World Cup qualifiers to finish second behind Argentina in the final group standings.
He led the team to a 19-match unbeaten run, which ended with a 1-0 defeat by Cote d'Ivoire in their World Cup opener on June 14.
The 45-year-old Argentine assumed responsibility for the team's performance.
"This group of players had created hope and expectation during the time we've been together," he said. "Mexico clearly outplayed us and that's obviously my responsibility. We didn't do what we do best and we deserved to lose."
"I'm grateful to all the players and to the country for this journey and this adventure alongside them. I just want to say 'thank you'."
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