Ex-Argentina coach Pekerman nears deal to lead U.S. team

MEXICO CITY (Ticker) - Former Argentina coach Jose Pekerman is on the verge of taking over the United States national team.

According to the U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati, a deal is only being held up by some minor stumbling blocks.

“We did not sign the contract yet, but it just lacks some details,” Gulati told Mexican newspaper La Opinion on Friday.

Pekerman, who took Argentina to the quarterfinals at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, is believed to already have an assistant and translator in place to work in North America should he take charge.

His assistant is expected to be Fernando Clavijo, who coached Haiti in 2003 and has also worked in Major League Soccer.

“Clavijo already signed his contract, but did Pekerman do it?” asked a journalist from the paper.

“Yes, we will see it in the Copa de Oro for Women’s final (on November 26),” responded Gulati.

According to La Opinion, Pekerman would have green-lighted the decision to accept the United States’ invitation to the 2007 Copa America in Venezuela.

Others linked with the post, held by Bruce Arena from 1998 through the 2006 World Cup, include former Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann; Sir Alex Ferguson’s No. 2 at Manchester United, Carlos Queiroz; and Chivas USA coach Bob Bradley.