Saudi Arabia Deny Speculation Bora will Coach at World Cup

April 6th, 2006 | by: WC Bob | View Comments

I’m not sure which is less surprising, that there is speculation that Saudi Arabia is looking for a new coach or that Bora Milutinovic has popped up as a possible candidate. For those who don’t follow Saudi Arabia football closely, the national team has had a constant revolving door of coaches. Just a few months ago the Brazilian Marcos Paqueta replaced sacked Argentine Gabriel Calderon. Paqueta is now under fire because the team has performed poorly during its exhibition schedule.

Milutinovic is often one of the first names mentioned when some of the second-tier teams are looking for a coach. A few months ago he was linked to the Togo position. For those keeping track at home, Milutinovic has coached a record five countries at the World Cup finals – China (2002), Nigeria (1998), United States (1994), Costa Rica (1990) and Mexico (1986).

Will he add Saudi Arabia to that list?

As of now the Saudi Arabia Football Federation is denying that Milutinovic is a candidate. For what it is worth, Saudi Arabia team manager Sahad Al Museibih also has said that the Federation is happy with Paqueta.

I find it hard to believe a coaching change would be made this late in the game but this is Saudi Arabia we’re talking about and a World Cup without Bora is something we haven’t seen in decades, so you never know….