Arena

HAMBURG, Germany — Bruce Arena sounded more like a man ready to say goodbye than a coach eager to sign on for another World Cup.

He was noncommittal after the Americans were knocked out in the 2002 quarterfinals, too, though he said then he was open to staying on and eventually agreed to a new four-year deal. On Friday, he spoke in the past tense and showed little eagerness to stay.

"Four years ago I was completely burnt out after that whole thing. I was a zombie for about two weeks," he said. "Right now, I'm just an idiot."

There was no glory for the Americans this year. After the United States was eliminated in the first round with a 2-1 loss to Ghana on Thursday, Arena spoke with U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati, and the pair said it was far too early to make any decisions on whether Arena should stick around — or even wants to remain — for four more years.

As security officials dismantled the metal detectors in the lobby of the U.S. team hotel, Arena talked of exploring options. He said he was offered a "European job opportunity" that no longer was available.

"I can go either way," he said, looking relaxed in jeans instead of his team clothes. "There are certain things I would want. I'm sure there are certain things they would want."

His hesitation, he said, wasn't over whether the U.S. could make the next World Cup, to be played in 2010 in South Africa.

"I have no doubts in mind I can qualify a team," he said, "but that to me is not the whole job."

Arena took over after the United States finished last at the 1998 tournament in France.

Blunt and forceful, he has been soccer's gadfly in America, at times angering his U.S. Soccer bosses and Major League Soccer.

"Every job I've been, when I've left them, I've left a better team and organization," said Arena, who led Virginia to five NCAA titles and D.C. United to a pair of MLS championships. "Certainly there have been great moments, from the World Cups to winning Gold Cups to winning big games along the way. It's all been, I think, milestones. So, yeah, there's a lot I'm proud of."

If he leaves, Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann might top the list of potential candidates — Klinsmann lives in Southern California, and the U.S. job would shorten his commute.