Milutinovic Appears, Rumors Follow

Bora Milutinovic made an unexpected appearance at the Rose Bowl on Thursday evening, further fueling speculation that he might be about to return as coach of the U.S. national team.

Milutinovic, who coached the U.S. into the second round of the 1994 World Cup and eventually was replaced by Steve Sampson, would neither confirm nor deny those rumors, saying only that “no one has talked to me.”

“I am here with my friends, I watch the game, nothing more,” he said, evading all attempts to pin him down.

Would he take the job left vacant by Sampson’s departure if offered?

“Is not correct to speak before they offer it,” he said. “What’s going to happen, [will] happen. I don’t know.”

Meanwhile the Washington Post reported that D.C. United Coach Bruce Arena “likely will be offered the job in the next week.”

Attempts to reach Alan Rothenberg, president of U.S. Soccer, at his home Thursday night to clarify the matter were unsuccessful.

Earlier in the day, Rothenberg told the Post: “I think the world of Bruce Arena, but it’s premature to make a comment on the selection of the coach. We are still studying the issue.”

Said Arena: “I’m interested, but I think at this point in time, there would still be a lot of points to be discussed related to the position. I have what I feel is an excellent job. . . .I’ve talked to a fair number of people in U.S. Soccer who have been very nice. I’ve concluded that, whether or not this works out or doesn’t, it’s been a good experience.

“I want to do right not only by U.S. Soccer, but also for myself. Maybe this isn’t right . . . I don’t have enough information to make a decision.”