Pizzi to leave Chile post after qualification failure

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Juan Antonio Pizzi said he was to blame for Chile's World Cup qualification failure, the coach set to leave his post.

Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi will step down after accepting responsibility for the nation's failure to qualify for the World Cup.

The South American champions were outplayed by Brazil in a 3-0 loss in Sao Paulo on Tuesday to finish sixth in CONMEBOL qualifying.

"About the future, as I said last week, my contract ends in this situation," he said.

"It seems to me, although it is the responsibility and decision of the directors, we must speak and evaluate what they want for the team, try to choose the best option.

"Of these options, I rule myself out."

Pizzi, who led the nation to the Copa America title last year, said he was to blame for Chile's failure to reach Russia 2018.

"I am the one who has chosen the players, the systems and for all that, I reiterate that I assume responsibility," he said.