Yesterday I mentioned that Bert van Marwijk is one of the candidates being considered for the Australian manager's position. He led Saudi Arabia to World Cup qualification but was fired last September after being unable to agree on a new contract.
In case you forgot, van Marwijk's replacement, the Argentinian Edgardo Bauza, was fired after five friendlies. Bauza was available after being shown the door by Argentina in the middle of their very disappointing qualifying campaign which saw Lionel Messi announce his retirement from the national team. The Saudi Arabia position was filled in November when another Argentinian, Juan Antonio Pizzi, was appointed. Pizzi was looking for a job after he resigned as manager of Chile after they failed to qualify for Russia.
I felt for Pizzi and his players' failure. As I had mentioned on numerous occasions they must have been exhausted after all the football they played in the last 4 years. Brazil '14, winning the Copa America '15 and '16 in the summers, Russia '18 qualifying and the players' seasons with their clubs in between all that. Pizzi must be looking forward to an easier for years with Saudi Arabia.
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