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Paraguay and Juan Carlos Osorio part ways by mutual consent

Juan Carlos Osorio is no longer head coach of Paraguay after he and the country's football association announced they would part ways by mutual consent.

Osorio made the announcement alongside APF president Robert Harrison at a joint news conference, citing family issues as the reason for leaving his post.

"For my own family reasons, unfortunately I can't continue in the job," said Osorio. "I'd like to thank you all for your support. It brought me pride to manage, lead and train the national team."

Harrison confirmed that the decision to rescind Osorio's contract was agreed mutually by both parties during a meeting on Wednesday and said the search for a new head coach would start on Thursday.

Reports had surfaced on Sunday that Osorio had resigned from the position, but the former Mexico manager denied that it was true.

Osorio took over La Albirroja in early September and was due to oversee friendlies against Peru and Mexico in March.

The 57-year-old former Atletico Nacional manager attended the Copa America draw in Brazil last month and said that Paraguay's group with Argentina, Colombia and Qatar "couldn't be more difficult."

Osorio led Mexico to the round of 16 at the World Cup last summer, recording a memorable victory over Germany in El Tri's opening game.