November 17, 2009 NO, NOT YET Osorio: I have not signed with Once Caldas
Ex-Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio says he has not signed on as technical director as Once Caldas, but he is mulling an offer from the Colombian club. Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images
By Michael Lewis
BigAppleSoccer.com Editor
Former Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio said Tuesday night that he has not signed on as technical director with Once Caldas in Colombia, at least not yet.
There were reports that Osorio has agreed to become TD of the Colombian club, but that appears to be a bit premature.
"There is no chance I will sign with anybody until I get to the end of my contract," Osorio said by telephone from Barcelona, Spain Tuesday night.
Osorio's contract with the Red Bulls runs out at the end of December.
Osorio said he is mulling the offer.
"The offer is a very good offer," he said. "The club is a very good club. I am considering the offer.
"However, I would like to stay in the United States. But I'm not sitting around. I want to work. I have to work."
Osorio resigned as Red Bulls coach on Aug. 21 as the MLS team was en route to a 5-19-6 season. He decided to take some time off to be with his family before spending time in Europe.
He was in Munich, Germany for three weeks with Bayern Munich -- he talked to manager Louis van Gaal -- and has spent two weeks in Barcelona. He plans to return home Dec. 1.
"I have learned a lot," Osorio said.
A native of Colombia, Osorio will succeed Javier Alvarez if he decides to take the position. Alvarez was fired by the club after poor results.
Ironically, a year ago this week the 47-year-old Osorio guided the Red Bulls into MLS Cup on a Cinderella run. The Red Bulls lost to the Columbus Crew in the final, 3-1.
