Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto quits after differences with backroom staff

Jorge Luis Pinto has quit as Costa Rica coach

Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto has taken the decision to quit his post after not being allowed to choose his backroom staff.

Los Ticos defied all odds to not only top the Group of Death at the World Cup by going undefeated against Italy, Uruguay and England, they also made it to the quarter-final for the first time in history, before losing out to Netherlands in a penalty shootout.

The 61-year-old said: “I realised I would not be able to count on conditions to carry out my work” on his personal website.

“It wasn't possible to reach an agreement,” he added. “I ask myself, 'What use are the victories obtained in Brazil?’".

Even Costa Rica’s football federation president Eduardo Lee confirmed Pinto’s decision to quit at a press conference stating they couldn’t come to an agreement on new terms.

This was Pinto’s second stint as Costa Rica coash, the first being a two year spell between 2004 and 2006.

Pinto: I’ve had differences with my staff

Pinto pointed out disagreements with certain members of his team as the reason for trying to negotiate new terms to choose his staff.

“Some of my staff don't have my style. I've had differences with my staff, I want dedication and commitment,” he said.

“A year and a half ago, a member of my staff told president Lee to get rid of me, that with me we weren't going to the World Cup. I slept with the enemy for a year and a half.”

“It hurts me to leave Costa Rica because I did an outstanding job here. I demanded the staff be dismissed and they didn't accept.”

Lee said Costa Rica was indebted to Pinto and that they would always be grateful for his contribution.

“I want to thank Pinto with all my heart for his work which no doubt was the key to obtaining the successes we got in Brazil.”

"Unfortunately we couldn't agree on some aspects."