Mario Salas (footballer)
Mario Salas (born October 11, 1967) is a Chilean football manager and former professional footballer.
Salas played primarily as a midfielder during his playing career. He represented several clubs in Chile, including Everton de Viña del Mar, Unión Española, Santiago Wanderers, and Deportes Temuco. He also had a stint in Argentina with San Lorenzo. Salas was known for his tactical awareness and work rate on the field.
Following his retirement as a player, Salas transitioned into coaching. He has managed various clubs in Chile and Peru, achieving notable success. He is known for his demanding, high-pressing style of play, often referred to as "pressing asfixiante" (suffocating press) and his emphasis on physical conditioning and tactical discipline.
Some of his managerial highlights include leading Universidad Católica to two consecutive Chilean Primera División titles (2016 Apertura and 2016 Clausura) and a Supercopa de Chile victory. He also guided Sporting Cristal to the Peruvian Primera División title in 2018. He has also managed Colo-Colo, Alianza Lima, and CD Palestino, among other teams.