Mexican Paper Leaks Jose Pekerman As Next USA Coach

Filed in archive US Soccer on November 21, 2006

There's a story going around that ex-Argentina boss (or DT as they say) Jose Pekerman will be named as the new USA head coach very soon. With everyone stateside expecting to see Jurgen Klinsmann unveiled this will come as quite a shock.

The story has appeared on reputable news outlets like the AP, The San Diego Union Tribune, and Big Soccer (!), but always with the same single source.

Crucially, that source is Mexican newspaper La Opinión. They quote USSF President Sunil Gulati as saying "We did not sign the contract yet, but it just lacks some details," when asked about Pekerman. I can't vouch either way for their journalistic integrity, only for Mexico's none too friendly approach to the US soccer team.

Gulati has since denied saying that, so now we have to wait for an official announcement to clear up this mess. For no good reason that announcement is expected to coincide with the Women's Gold Cup Final on November 26th.