US, Paraguay make new appointments

Juergen Klinsmann has been announced as Bob Bradley’s replacement as coach of the US national team, while Paraguay also have a new manager.

Bradley was sacked from his position on Thursday after five years at the helm, with former Germany and Bayern Munich manager Klinsmann, 46, named his replacement within 24 hours.

“We are excited to have Juergen as the head coach of our men’s national team,” US Soccer president Sunil Gulati told USsoccer.com on Friday.

“He is a highly accomplished player and coach with the experience and knowledge to advance the program.”

“Juergen has had success in many different areas of the game and we look forward to the leadership he will provide on and off the field.”

Klinsmann’s first game in charge will be against Mexico on August 10. Speaking of his appointment, the former Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Tottenham striker said: “I am proud and honoured to be named the head coach of the US men’s national team.”

“I would like to thank the U.S. Soccer Federation for the opportunity, and I’m excited about the challenge ahead.”

“I am looking forward to bringing the team together for our upcoming match against Mexico and starting on the road toward qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.”

Following suit, Paraguay have wasted little time in replacing Gerardo Martino as national team manager after his sudden resignation on Friday.

Argentine Martino led Paraguay to the final of the 2011 Copa America despite not winning a game in normal time, but quit after believing he could ‘no longer contribute to everything we imagined’ with Los Guaranies.

He has been replaced by former national team right-back Francisco Arce, who had been at the helm of Paraguayan Primera Division outfit Rubio Nu since 2007.