At least six Venezuelan coaches have been considered as potential candidates to take charge of La Vinotinto—some with prior experience in the national team, others currently without contracts, and some engaged with youth squads or club responsibilities. Photos: Social Media
Guacamaya, September 12, 2025. Fernando “Bocha” Batista was dismissed as head coach of Venezuela’s national football team, just minutes after President Nicolás Maduro publicly called for a restructuring of the coaching staff. Following Venezuela’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup playoff, Batista did not address the press, and the Venezuelan Football Federation confirmed his departure via an official statement.
Now, La Vinotinto faces the urgent task of appointing at least a provisional coach to lead the team in upcoming friendly matches during the FIFA windows of October and November 2025. The first match in October is scheduled for the 10th against Argentina, while the second is yet to be confirmed. In November, Venezuela will face Nigeria on the 14th and Canada on the 18th.
Regarding potential Venezuelan replacements, public opinion is considering coaches with prior experience in the national team as well as those who have excelled in club football both domestically and abroad. These candidates bring diverse profiles and trajectories that could offer momentum, renewal, or a new direction for La Vinotinto.
International options will be explored in a follow-up article, focusing on foreign coaches who are also being considered to lead Venezuela through this period of transition. This first part highlights the Venezuelan coaches who could take charge at this pivotal moment for national football. They are:
Oswaldo Vizcarrondo
Former Vinotinto player and a coach known for his work in youth development, having recently led Venezuela’s U-15 and U-17 teams. With the latter, he secured qualification for the upcoming U-17 World Cup in Qatar this November.
After the tournament, he is set to take over the U-20 squad, though it’s not ruled out that he could simultaneously manage the senior team—a precedent in Venezuelan football. Vizcarrondo also coached the women’s team at FC Nantes (France) and later served as assistant coach for the men’s team in Ligue 1.
Rafael Dudamel
Former player and coach with significant experience leading Venezuela’s national teams. He began with the U-17 in 2013, moved to the U-20 in 2015, and took over the senior team in 2016. Under his leadership, the U-20 reached the 2017 World Cup final, Venezuela’s best-ever FIFA tournament result.
He also qualified the U-17 for the World Cup, though the team was eliminated early. With the senior squad, he reached the Copa América quarterfinals in 2016 and 2019 but failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. At club level, he won titles in Colombia with Deportivo Cali and CA Bucaramanga and has coached in Venezuela, Brazil, Mexico, and Chile.
Richard Páez
A legendary former national team coach, Páez led La Vinotinto through historic campaigns and remains one of the country’s most respected football figures. He coached Venezuela’s U-20 and U-23 teams and managed the senior squad from January 2001 to November 2007.
Domestically, he won the Copa Venezuela with Universidad de Los Andes in 1995 and the Apertura with Mineros de Guayana in 2013. Abroad, he coached in Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, where he won the Copa Postobón with Millonarios in 2011—becoming the first Venezuelan to win an international club title. He has been without a contract since 2020.
César Farías
Widely regarded as one of Venezuela’s top coaches, Farías led the national team from late 2007 to 2013. Under his leadership, La Vinotinto achieved its best Copa América result, finishing fourth in Argentina 2011.
He also coached the U-20 team, qualifying for the 2009 World Cup in Egypt—Venezuela’s first-ever World Cup appearance. Farías is the only Venezuelan to have coached another national team, serving as Bolivia’s head coach from 2019 to 2022. He won domestic titles with The Strongest (Bolivia) and Aucas (Ecuador). He is currently without a contract.
Giovanni Savarese
Former player and coach with a strong track record in U.S. football. He served as sporting director of New York Cosmos (USL League One) from 2012 to 2017, then became head coach of the Portland Timbers in MLS in 2018—the first Venezuelan to officially manage an MLS team.
With the Timbers, he won two Western Conference titles, reached two MLS Cup finals (2018 and 2021), and claimed the MLS is Back Tournament in 2020. He has also worked as an analyst for ESPN’s MLS coverage. His blend of talent and leadership has opened doors for Venezuelan coaches in the U.S. and the Concacaf region.
Eduardo Saragó
A seasoned Venezuelan coach with a long-standing career in domestic football. He debuted in the First Division in 2008 with Zamora FC and led Deportivo Italia (later Deportivo Petare) to win the Apertura that same year, defying expectations.
He later won the national championship with Deportivo Lara in 2012, setting an unbeaten record. With Caracas FC, he claimed the Copa Venezuela in 2013, and in 2023, he won the First Division title again with Deportivo Táchira, breaking another unbeaten streak. He currently coaches Academia Puerto Cabello.
