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After five years of successes and failures, Jurgen Klinsmann was relieved of his manager and technical director duties by Sunil Gulati and the U.S. Soccer Federation earlier today.
And it didn’t take long for the national media to start circling the wagons for his replacement.
I'm told that negotiations are ongoing with Klinsmann's successor. All signs pointing to Arena. #usmnt
— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) November 21, 2016
Bruce Arena likely to be the interim coach; he feels he has unfinished business with USMNT, but details still being worked out.
— Sam Borden (@SamBorden) November 21, 2016
I'm told U.S. Soccer has reached an agreement with Bruce Arena to have him return as #USMNT head coach. #DominosFalling
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) November 21, 2016
Klinsmann fired. Source: Bruce Arena set to take over. Could be announced as soon as tomorrow.
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) November 21, 2016
The last tweet courtesy of Grant Wahl is particularly damning. There had already been word the LA Galaxy FO was contacted by U.S. Soccer last week, and federation officials have confirmed Arena is a candidate. It’s not a done deal yet, but at this point it looks like we’re just waiting for the official announcement.
Bruce Arena was previously in charge of the U.S. National Team from 1998 to 2006, leading a gusty USA team featuring a 20-year-old Landon Donovan to the 2002 World Cup quarterfinals.
All ears are now focused on tomorrow’s conference call, when Gulati is expected to address reporters and reveal the new manager.