Queiroz coronavirus

Tasnim – Colombia head coach Carlos Queiroz said Monday that football must make "huge sacrifices" to overcome the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a social media post entitled "Save life, economy and football", the 67-year-old Portuguese said tough decisions must be made now to salvage something from 2020.

"Apparently, a lot of people do not understand that we need to face a new and painful reality," Queiroz said. "We need a completely new way of thinking to create hope and sustainability for the future. We need to start to think differently and wisely now. We must do it together, with global solidarity."

The former Real Madrid boss added that it is time to dispense with outdated ways of thinking and get innovate with new solutions.

"We need to take the lead and be at the front of the battle lines. COVID-19 took spring 2020 from us. We can't afford to lose summer 2020 without making decisions that will allow us to take off in autumn/summer 2020," he added.

Most major football competitions - including South America's 2022 World Cup qualifying tournament - have been suspended indefinitely because of the global health crisis.

Queiroz, whose career has also included spells in charge of the Portugal and Iran national teams, was appointed Colombia's head coach in February 2019, replacing Argentinian Jose Pekerman.

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