Beccacece explains Páez's World Cup call-up, advises player on future

Sebastián Beccacece, formerly the coach of Ecuador's national team, has shed light on his controversial decision to select midfielder Kendry Páez for the 2026 World Cup squad, despite the player's lack of consistent game time at his previous club, River Plate. Beccacece, who departed the team after their Round of 16 exit to Mexico, addressed the matter in a recent interview with ESPN.

Beccacece explained that Páez's inclusion was based on his significant talent and his integration into the team's long-term development process. "I brought him because he is a player who is part of the process and because he has great talent, but one that has not yet been able to explode," Beccacece stated. However, Páez's impact on the field was minimal, with only a brief substitute appearance in the 79th minute of the match against Mexico.

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I brought him because he is a player who is part of the process and because he has great talent, but one that has not yet been able to explode.

While acknowledging Páez's strengths, including commitment and intensity shown within the national team setup, Beccacece also expressed concern over the player's struggles to secure regular minutes at his club level. He urged Páez to introspect: "He will have to review, internally, why he cannot find those spaces in his day-to-day life that allow him to show himself. He evidently has something to rethink to be able to bring out all the talent he has and that he demonstrated, especially at the beginning of his career."

Following the World Cup, Páez returned to River Plate, but coach Eduardo Coudet opted not to utilize him, leading to separate training sessions. Originally loaned from Chelsea in late January, the Argentine club decided against keeping him. Chelsea is now seeking a new loan arrangement for the Ecuadorian player, who was set to join the London club permanently after turning 18 in mid-2025. Páez previously had a six-month loan spell at French club Racing Strasbourg before his time at River Plate, and he has yet to debut for Chelsea.

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He will have to review, internally, why he cannot find those spaces in his day-to-day life that allow him to show himself. He evidently has something to rethink to be able to bring out all the talent he has and that he demonstrated, especially at the beginning of his career.