Soccer News of Friday, 20 June 2014

Source: goal.com

It's no advantage that I coached Ecuador, insists Honduras boss

Los Catrachos coach believes that the focus should be on the game, not the men in charge, despite the fact he and his Ecuadorian counterpart have managed each other's teams.
Luis Fernando Suarez does not think Honduras against Ecuador will be a battle between him and opposite number Reinaldo Rueda, who have both managed the two sides.
Suarez was in charge of Ecuador between 2004 and 2007, with his friend Rueda having been his predecessor as Honduras boss, where he worked from 2006 to 2010.
However, despite the quirk of fate that both men in charge have an in-depth knowledge of their opposing team, Suarez played down the significance of this detail on the Group E encounter.
"There's something about South America and Central America that give you options when you coach national teams," the 54-year-old told a press conference.
"I'm very grateful for everything Ecuador gave me, but I also have to recognize what Honduras has given to me. Honduras gave me the chance to grow up as a coach, to be at the World Cup. Tomorrow we'll play the game - the match is not between two coaches, it's between two football teams.
"Reinaldo and I don't have advantages. My knowledge comes from the last months where I've had to learn about Ecuador and I think I know the best way to face them. I'm sure Reinaldo also will have to discover how to beat Honduras. The individual weaknesses are important but are not everything."
Suarez also spoke of the Jorge Claros, who will replace Wilson Palacios in the Honduran side after the latter picked up a red card in their 3-0 defeat against France.
"I'm happy with Jorge," he continued.
"He has been a key player - I'm confident about his performance for [Friday].
"One thing I am certain of is that all the players we've called up have the capacity of being up to what is required to defeat Ecuador.
"It will be an interesting match to watch and enjoy."