Acosta resigns as Chile manager

Santiago:

Nelson Acosta resigned on Tuesday as the manager of the Chilean national team, three days after a 6-1 quarterfinal loss to Brazil in the Copa America.

"I'm leaving the team so that there's enough time to choose, calmly and without pressure, my successor," an emotional Acosta said in a brief statement to reporters.

Acosta also chided reporters and commentators for the nature and tone of their criticism of the Chilean performance at the South American championship, suggesting his resignation was: "So you will be much calmer too."

He did not take any questions.

Chile finished third in its group behind Mexico and Brazil, advancing with four points on a 3-2 victory over Ecuador and a 0-0 draw with Mexico.

However, the 6-1 drubbing by powerhouse Brazil intensified criticisms of his strategy and calls for his removal.

The Uruguay-born Acosta and his players were jeered Monday by fans waiting for them at the airport.

Under Acosta, Chile qualified for the second round of the 1998 World Cup in France, and two years later took home the bronze medal from the Olympics in Sydney.

He was fired in 2001 after the team failed to make the World Cup in Japan and South Korea, but was recalled to help prepare Chile for Germany 2006.

Candidates mentioned as possible replacements include Argentine Claudio Borghi, who led Colo Colo to three consecutive Chilean championships, and Jose Sulantay, coach of the country's under-20 squad.