Soccer: Auckland City keen for a Brazilian

Paul Posa. Photo / Kenny Rodger

Auckland City are close to finalising a deal with a Brazilian coach.

The NZFC and O-League champions were keen for Paul Posa to continue but he indicated at the end of last season he couldn't commit to the job full-time.

Auckland City advertised in April, receiving a large number of applications from both New Zealand and overseas.

Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker was among them and former Waitakere United coach Chris Milicich and Paul Marshall, who briefly coached City after the sacking of Roger Wilkinson in 2006, made the shortlist. Neither was offered the job.

Instead the club have been in extensive talks with someone who has coached in his country's first division. Auckland City chairman Ivan Vuksich declined to say which country but it's understood to be Brazil.

Vuksich said there was a "70 per cent chance" he would take over and bring two Brazilian players with him for the NZFC season.

"We are very keen to get this guy on board and have been in talks for three months," Vuksich said. "But if it falls through, Paul will take up the cudgel."

Posa and his former No 2 Ramon Tribulietx will remain as coaches to provide continuity. They will take pre-season training when it starts on Tuesday ahead of their first O-League game on October 18.

In many ways, Auckland would not be disappointed if the deal didn't come off. They have always wanted Posa, particularly after he delivered both the NZFC and O-League titles to Kiwitea St after they had been in danger of missing the playoffs.

He also has the respect of his players, something predecessor Colin Tuaa struggled to achieve, and can manage the board's weighty expectations.

Posa was the fourth coach in two seasons.

But it would be a huge and expensive gamble if Auckland City brought in a foreign coach for a significant season. Their main target is December's Club World Cup in Dubai.

The club will also take a punt on two unseen imports. They could prove key signings, particularly for the Club World Cup, but NZFC clubs have had little success with imports in the past.

Former Barcelona defender Xavi Roca played only five games last season, while Waitakere United's Adriano failed to live up to expectations.

Meanwhile, former Auckland City coach Allan Jones, who delivered three NZFC and one O-League title to Kiwitea St, has turned down the chance to assist Che Bunce at Waikato.

Bunce approached Jones and, while Jones was interested, couldn't agree terms with the club.

Jones returned to New Zealand after spending only 72 hours in Oman, where he was due to take up a two-year deal to coach Omani club Al Oruba.