Canaleros dismiss Dely Valdes brothers
- by Soccer America , Oct 29, 2013
The move came after Panama's U-17s finished up play at the Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. Jorge coaches the U-17s, the first Panamanian team to ever play in a FIFA world championship.
Julio and Jorge, who played briefly in MLS, and their late brother Armando are part of one of the great soccer-playing families of Concacaf.
Julio is known as an excellent tactician and got Panama farther than it has ever gotten in World Cup qualifying. He was named national team coach in 2010 and led Panama to third place at the 2011 Gold Cup and second place at the 2013 Gold Cup.
The runs included the first-ever victory over the USA in group play (2011) and two wins over Mexico (2013). The Canaleros were eventually eliminated by the USA both times.
"Julio Dely Valdes is the best coach we have ever had," said Panamanian soccer federation president Peter Chaluja, "and he deserves our thanks."
Chaluja left open the possibility that Jorge Dely Valdes could continue with the youth national teams.
Terrible decision. If the Panamanian federation kahunas care to examine the cause of elimination, two of their players unnecessarily gave the ball up in mid-field which led to their ultimate defeat and ouster from the WC. So who's the replacement; the next best coach that Panama ever had?
I agree. Who else in Panama could bring them this far. Yes, they lost out on the W.C., but I'm sure they learned the proper tactics to use in future games. Very bad decision.
If he's the best coach you've ever had, then why did you fire him?? Idiots.