ASUNCION, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) — Paraguay will treat each of their remaining six 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers like finals as they bid for a place at football’s showpiece tournament in Qatar, new manager Guillermo Barros Schelotto said on Tuesday.
The Argentine will make his debut in the Guaranies dugout against Chile in Asuncion on Thursday before a clash against Colombia in Barranquilla next Tuesday.
“We’ve had little time to work, which means we can’t yet put any new ideas in place,” Barros Schelotto told reporters.
“We have to confront each opponent and try to win. We cannot afford to look back when we have six games ahead that will define our future. The group knows that Thursday is the first final and the players are aware of the responsibility that they carry. They are receptive and enthusiastic.”
Barros Schelotto was appointed Paraguay’s head coach on October 20, less than a week after the sacking of compatriot Eduardo Berizzo.
The 48-year-old former Boca Juniors and LA Galaxy boss has been joined by his twin brother Gustavo, who is his assistant coach.
Paraguay are currently eighth in the 10-team South American zone qualifying standings with 12 points from 12 matches.
The top four teams in the group will secure a berth in next year’s World Cup while the fifth-ranked team will advance to an intercontinental playoff.
