Football
ESPN staff 6y

United States boss Dave Sarachan extends deal through June

United States interim manager Dave Sarachan has told the Washington Post his contract has been extended through the U.S.'s June friendlies against Ireland and France.

"It was something I wanted to do," Sarachan told the Post. "I knew what the games coming up were in May and June. 

"They are important and, for me personally, to keep this thing going with the group would be important. And I think the federation realized that as well."

Sarachan, whose contract was set to expire at the end of March, assumed the post in the wake of Bruce Arena's resignation following the U.S.'s failure to reach the World Cup finals in Russia this summer.

And the former Cornell and Chicago Fire manager said he hopes to be kept on by the United States Soccer Federation, whether with the senior squad or the youth teams.

"When they start identifying candidates for these positions, I think I have enough experience at all levels that you would want to keep a guy like me around," Sarachan told the paper. "As much as we want to continue to progress coaches in this country, there are steps and there are experiences that you need at this level that I've obtained and I think they've recognized. 

"Whether I am truly a candidate for the national team coach, I think I have a lot to offer with my background that can help move this along and I'm willing to have those conversations.

"It sounds corny but I do have a soft spot for the national team and the program. I've been around it and fortunate to be a part of it in '02 [when the United States advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals].

"And now especially where there has been so much chatter about how we can get this back on track, I think the program needs experience and right person with temperament. I think I can offer that."

The U.S. are back in action next week, when they will play Paraguay in a friendly at Wakemed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina.

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