Pachuca are set to miss out on their top target for head coach: this is why

In the wake of Guillermo Almada’s decision to step down as head coach, Pachuca are experiencing a period of internal uncertainty.

Almada’s departure was confirmed on Wednesday, after the Liga MX club had initially refused to accept the 55-year-old’s resignation.

Why is Almeyda unlikely to join Pachuca?

Having embarked on a search for a new coach, Pachuca had identified Matías Almeyda as the prime candidate to take over at the Estadio Hidalgo.

However, the former Chivas Guadalajara boss now appears unlikely to be Almada’s successor at the seven-time Mexican champions.

According to a report by the Fox Sports journalist Rubén Rodríguez, Almeyda wants to take a break after parting company with Greek club AEK Athens earlier this month.

But Pachuca need to install a new head coach immediately, as they prepare for this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.

Rodríguez noted Almeyda has already rejected three offers from Europe, two from the Middle East, and two from other Liga MX clubs: Chivas and Monterrey.

The Fox Sports journalist also revealed that Pachuca will continue to pay Almada’s salary for the time being. The Uruguayan remains under contract with the club, but has the green light to negotiate with other teams.

Any club that wants to hire Almada will have to pay Pachuca a buy-out fee of $4 million.

When do Pachuca play in the CWC?

Pachuca begin their Club World Cup campaign on June 18, when they take on Austrians RB Salzburg at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Drawn in Group H, Los Tuzos will also face LaLiga giants Real Madrid (June 22) and Saudi club Al Hilal (June 26) in the round-robin phase.

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