Ex-Man Utd coach Queiroz sacked by Colombia ‘after losing respect of team by giving away James Rodriguez’s No10 shirt’
JAMES RODRIGUEZ’S poor relationship with Carlos Queiroz was reportedly at the centre of the decision to sack the Colombia coach.
Earlier this week, the former Manchester United assistant left the South American side after a poor start to World Cup qualification.
Los Cafeteros certainly face a fight to make the 2022 World Cup but dressing room discontent has also been described as key to his exit.
Local media reports, cited by Marca, outline one incident which allegedly infuriated Everton star Rodriguez.
A friendly with Ecuador in November 2019 saw Brighton midfielder Steven Alzate don the No10 shirt.
The number had been reserved for star man Rodriguez, who was unavailable for the fixture.
Giving away the shirt was reportedly seen as a huge sign of disrespect by Queiroz.
Another decision to snub the playmaker for the captain’s armband, preferring David Ospina, also dampened the mood.
Subsequent issues continued the coach and team on their descent with players said to be confused by the 67-year-old’s tactical plans.
And matters came to a head in last month’s World Cup qualifiers.
Uruguay beat Colombia 3-0 in what turned out to be a mere warning signal before a 6-1 humbling at the hands of Ecuador.
Rodriguez was forced to deny rumours of a dressing room bust-up after the staggering defeat.
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Not since 1977 had the nation endured such a heavy defeat and they were left seventh in CONMEBOL’s qualification group.
Four teams automatically reach Qatar with the fifth-placed side entering an inter-confederation play-off.
Next up for Colombia are two vital qualifiers in March, against Brazil and Paraguay.