Paulo Wanchope named new coach of Costa Rica national soccer team

Paulo Wanchope was named as the new coach of Costa Rica on Saturday, taking over from Jorge Luis Pinto who led the team to its best World Cup performance ever last year. The Costa Rican Football Federation tweeted Sunday that Wanchope would be presented to the press Tuesday as the new head coach.

The 38-year-old former Manchester City and West Ham striker and Costa Rica international was assistant to Pinto at the World Cup in Brazil. Before joining La Sele, Wanchope coached CS Herediano. The former striker played in two World Cups and scored 45 goals in 76 appearances for Costa Rica.

Pinto had an acrimonious breakup with La Sele after contract discussions broke down in July after the Colombian coach took Costa Rica to its first ever quarterfinal showing at the 2014 World Cup. In his final, fiery press conference, Pinto alluded that Wanchope maneuvered behind his back to get him fired. Wanchope denied the allegation.

Wanchope beat off competition from Colombia’s Juan Carlos Osorio and Ricardo Gareca of Argentina for the post.

AFP contributed to this report.