Profiles in potential: José Pekerman

Recently, I listed eight potential coaches for the U.S. Men’s National Team (as determined by Grant Wahl). The following is the sixth post in a series of biographical sketches—cleverly entitled, “Profiles in potential“—focusing on each of these prospective managers.

The sixth candidate is José Pekerman.

Age: 57

Where he’s from: Argentina

What he does now: Pekerman had a short playing career, splitting his time between clubs in Argentina and Colombia. Beginning in 1982, he coached in the youth systems of clubs in Argentina and Chili.

In 1994, Pekerman took over the Argentine U-20 and U-17 teams, leading the former to three FIFA World Youth Championships. In 1998, he was given a unique opportunity to be the general manager of all of the Argentine national teams, a position he held until 2003. After a brief stint in the Spanish second division, Pekerman became the head coach of the Argentina National Team, which qualified for the 2006 World Cup. The team bowed out in the quarterfinals, losing to hosts, Germany, on penalty kicks.

Absurdly unofficial odds that he will get the job: 43 to 1