Coach Jorge Luis Pinto has decided to quit World Cup quarter-finalists Costa Rica because they refused to allow him to choose his backroom staff.

“I realised I would not be able to count on conditions to carry out my work,” the 61-year-old Colombian said.

Pinto’s contract ended after this month’s World Cup in Brazil where rank outsiders Costa Rica reached the last eight for the first time, playing an exciting brand of fast counter-attacking football.

“It wasn’t possible to reach an agreement,” he added.

“I ask myself, ‘What use are the victories obtained in Brazil?”

Federation president Eduardo Lee confirmed at a news conference that the two parties had not managed to agree fresh terms.

Costa Rica were unbeaten in five World Cup matches before going out on penalties to the Netherlands.

Pinto said disagreements with members of his backroom team became the central issue in negotiations with Lee.

“Some of my staff don’t have my style. I’ve had differences with my staff, I want dedication and commitment,” he told reporters.

“A year-and-a-half ago a member of my staff told president Lee to get rid of me, that with me we weren’t going to the World Cup.

“I slept with the enemy for a year-and-a-half.

“It hurts me to leave Costa Rica because I did an outstanding job here. I demanded the staff be dismissed and they didn’t accept,” Pinto said of the federation.

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