San Jose Earthquakes coach Matias Almeyda confirms he won't be taking Chile job

After much speculation, Matias Almeyda has confirmed that he’s intent on honoring his contract with the San Jose Earthquakes and will not become the next head coach of the Chilean national team.

”I am grateful to the people of Chile, to its sports director [Francis Cagigao], a great professional; and to its president [Pablo Milad],” Almeyda told radio La Red. “The effort they made to hire me, and the sporting and economic proposal, which was good. I appreciate it, I want to make it public. I was left with the desire.”

During this MLS offseason, Almeyda has been rumored to be on the shortlist of multiple different teams, including Brazil’s Palmeiras, and Mexican sides Monterrey and Cruz Azul.

But Almeyda, who helped guide the Quakes to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs last fall, explained why he enjoys coaching in San Jose.

“Why did I come to MLS? Here I am turning off lights, I am getting rid of fame,” he said. “As I speak with you, I’m walking around my neighborhood. A few people have said hello. I want to live a normal life. I want to have a space in life while doing what I love.

“I want a quality of life that not everything is football.”