Pizzi to leave Chile post after qualification failure

Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi will step down after accepting responsibility for the nation’s failure to qualify for the World Cup.

The South American champions were outplayed by Brazil in a 3-0 loss in Sao Paulo on Tuesday to finish sixth in CONMEBOL qualifying.

Pizzi, who took charge of Chile in January 2016, said his time at the helm was over after the stunning failure.

“About the future, as I said last week, my contract ends in this situation,” he said.

“It seems to me, although it is the responsibility and decision of the directors, we must speak and evaluate what they want for the team, try to choose the best option.

“Of these options, I rule myself out.”

Pizzi, who led the nation to the Copa America title last year, said he was to blame for Chile’s failure to reach Russia 2018.

“I am the one who has chosen the players, the systems and for all that, I reiterate that I assume responsibility,” he said.