Pele Set To Coach South American Dream Team

Brazilian football legend, Pele, will coach the "ideal" Copa Libertadores starting XI that will likely face European champions Spain...

25-Nov-2008 8:55:44 PM

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Edson Arantes do Nascimento - 'Pele' - will be in charge of coaching the "ideal" 2008 Copa Libertadores starting XI in a friendly match against European champions Spain.

The team will consist of Roberto Abbondanzieri and Martin Palermo, of Argentina; three Brazilians in Luis Fabiano, Washington and Thiago; two Chileans, Alexis Sanchez and Gary Mendel; two Mexicans, Jared Borgetti and Pavel Pardo; as well as Sebastian Abreu, of Uruguay; Radamel Falcao Garcia, of Colombia; and finally, Joffre Guerron, of Ecuador.

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Please note that not all of the above players took part in the competition this year.

Guerron, now of Getafe, was voted the best player of the Copa Libertadores after playing a key role as Liga de Quito lifted the title for the very first time.

It has been confirmed that Pele will coach the side, but for now it is unknown whether their opponents will be Spain, Real Madrid or AC Milan. The match will be staged in either Spain or Italy, however.

Pele, who has rejected several offers to coach clubs and national sides in the past, expressed his satisfaction at having been given the opportunity to coach the side.

"All the time, you all know, they invite me to be a football coach. But I always say no...we will meet in a great game this time," stated Pele.

Although it has yet to be decided, the match is likely to take place in either December or January.

Gregory Sica, Goal.com

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