Suarez appointed by Ecuador

Colombian Luis Fernando Suarez has replaced Hernan Dario Gomez at the helm of the Ecuadorian national team.

Suarez, 44, was appointed yesterday by the Ecuadorian FA, and in doing so, becomes the third consecutive Colombian to hold the post. Suarez has been on Ecuador’s bench before, acting as assistant to Francisco Maturana (Ecuador’s first Colombian), and headed the team during the Copa America 1997.

After being appointed, Suarez told ‘Universo’ newspaper: “It is the dream of every coach to take charge of a national team, and to do it well.

“I feel capable of leading this nation. I’ve been in management for nearly 16 years, and I know perfectly well what this works requires. They have a lot of confidence in me I hope to be able to maintain the good results in the World Cup qualifiers, and reach the finals in Germany – which we class as our first objective.”

Suarez has managed various teams in Colombia, and achieved league success with Medellin in 1999. His first task with Ecuador will be a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in Montevideo on September 5th.