US federation president has talked to Klinsmann

WASHINGTON, Oct 31 (Reuters) US Soccer federation president Sunil Gulati said he had talked to former Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann about coaching the national team but no agreement had been reached.

''I'm not going to sit here and deny that we've talked to Juergen Klinsmann since he told (the media) last week that he has had some informal conversations,'' Gulati told a teleconference yesterday.

''We have not made any decisions about who will be coaching our national team. We certainly haven't made any offers.'' Klinsmann, who took Germany to the World Cup semi-finals this year, told the New York Times on Friday he was interested in replacing Bruce Arena, whose contract was not renewed after eight years coaching the national team.

Gulati said the federation was still holding discussions with four or five prospective candidates.

''We're looking for someone with a track record of success, that's a number one criteria,'' Gulati said.

''Juergen brings a lot of positive qualities to the possibility of coaching the national team. He had indicated a desire to take some time off and has said that he's now taken some time off and would be open to having a discussion.'' Gulati said a decision was expected late next month.

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