Manuel Pellegrini voiced his support for Nicolás Córdova, interim coach of the Chilean national team. He did so at the press conference ahead of Real Betis's match against Barcelona in the ninth round of the Spanish league. "It is important that Nicolás, who is there, keeps doing his job as he has been doing so far," said the Engineer.
According to La Tercera, the Chilean coach rarely discusses the national team. This time, he said that the many matches he watches from teams and competitions around the world include Chile's games, as well as those in the English and Spanish leagues.
Pellegrini did, however, decline to assess the national team in detail. He explained that he currently lacks sufficient information to offer an opinion because he does not follow every match or attend the squad's training sessions.
The former Real Madrid, Manchester City and Villarreal coach is under contract with the Seville club until June 30, 2027. According to La Tercera, a clause would allow him to end the agreement early if he receives an offer from the national team. Biobiochile, by contrast, maintains that his potential arrival would have to wait until that contract expires, unless the current situation changes.
The National Professional Football Association (ANFP) remains in constant contact with Pellegrini to keep urging him to finally take the national coaching job. But under the new law on Professional Sports Corporations (SADP), the national team comes under the Football Federation of Chile, which must elect its own leadership. This changes who the coach will be dealing with.
According to FIFA's warning, the transition period led by Pablo Milad will last until February. Qualifying for the 2030 World Cup would, in theory, begin in March, and the aim is to have a permanent coach before that date.
That is where Córdova's role comes in. While Pellegrini resolves his situation with Betis, the interim coach provides continuity and keeps the national team active. The sources do not specify how many matches he has coached or his record.
Córdova has also never viewed the Engineer as a threat. In the middle of last year, in an interview with El Deportivo, he acknowledged that working alongside him was a possibility. "I would be the happiest person alive to work under Mr. Manuel Pellegrini with the national team," he said at the time.
Next up for Chile are two friendlies against Colombia in November. The first will be on November 13 at Pascual Guerrero Stadium in Cali, with the return match four days later at the National Stadium.
