US Soccer president Sunil Gulati has contacted former Chilean national team coach Marcelo Bielsa about taking a position as technical director with the US program, according to a report on TandilDiario.com.
The report claims that Argentine Bielsa (pictured above) would oversee all aspects of the US men’s national team program, including youth development. Bob Bradley would remain in charge of the senior national team.
When contacted by MLSsoccer.com, a spokesperson for US Soccer declined to say whether or not the federation had been in touch with Bielsa.
“We have always stated that adding a technical director, or a similar position, on the men’s side is something we are exploring,” US Soccer spokesperson Neil Buethe said, “but we have not made any decisions at this point.”
The eccentric Bielsa, known for his attacking tactics and unusual style, led Chile to the second round of the World Cup, where they lost to Brazil. He resigned after the tournament due to a feud with the Chilean Football Federation but returned to helm the South American side when they played the US to a 1-1 draw at the Home Depot Center in January.
Bielsa permanently quit his post on Feb. 4.
The article claims Bielsa would receive around $3 million per year. Qatar and Saudi Arabia are also reportedly interested in securing Bielsa's services and are thought to have made even more lucrative offers to the coach.
Noah Davis covers the United States national team for MLSsoccer.com . Follow him on Twitter at @noahedavis.
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