Originally published July 28, 2011 at 6:41 PM | Page modified July 29, 2011 at 12:17 PM

Sigi Schmid says he has not been contacted about vacant U.S. men's national-team coaching job

Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid says any coach would be interested in coaching the U.S. men's national team but says he's focused on the Sounders now.

By Joshua Mayers

Seattle Times staff reporter

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No, keep Sigi in Seattle to get the MLS cup here. Klinsman is a better choice for MNT. (July 28, 2011, by prof-stack_33) Read more

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Sigi Schmid has not been contacted about the vacant U.S. men's national team coaching job, the Sounders FC coach said Thursday on a conference call.

The position became available Thursday when U.S. Soccer unexpectedly fired coach Bob Bradley. The federation will make another announcement Friday, perhaps to name a replacement.

Many believed Schmid, one of the most successful coaches in American soccer, might be a candidate if the job ever opened up.

When asked if he was interested in coaching the U.S. men's team, Schmid said: "That's something that I really don't need to answer because nobody's talked to me. I think any coach in this country, especially someone who's coached in America for a long time, would have an interest in coaching the national team.

"I think that's going to be a 'yes' answer from any American coach that you ask, but at the end of the day is it the right thing? Is it the right time? Where are you coming from? Where are you at? All of that affects that ultimate decision. What I can tell you is, I'm very happy where I'm at. I love the Sounders, I love Seattle, and I really like our team."

With games against Mexico, Costa Rica and Belgium in the next six weeks, U.S. Soccer is expected to make a move soon. Schmid's attention is focused elsewhere.

"I have to worry about the Seattle Sounders and our game with Houston on Saturday," he said.

Notes

• Goalkeeper Kasey Keller entered Wednesday's MLS All-Star Game in the 83rd minute, less than 24 hours after playing in Sounders FC's CONCACAF Champions League game in Panama. "I think with him in his last year it was something that it was great for him to be able to take part in," Schmid said.

• Backup goalkeeper Terry Boss suffered a concussion early in the second half against Manchester United last week. The 29-year-old finished the game and allowed six goals, but is out this week. "Maybe if Terry was a little more honest with himself, maybe he should have come out of that game at that point," Schmid said.

Joshua Mayers: 206-464-3184

or jmayers@seattletimes.com