Report: Philadelphia Union targeting former player Veljko Paunovic as coach?

Report: Union targeting former player Paunovic as coach?

Veljko Paunovic, Union

The Philadelphia Union have made some big changes in recent weeks -- could a face from the past be rejoining the club?


Former Union midfielder Veljko Paunovic, who has embarked on an already successful coaching career since leaving MLS, is rumored to have been offered a contract from the Union, according to a report from FutbolMLS.com on Friday.


Paunovic, a Serbian international who played extensively in Europe, primarily in Spain, prior to playing for Philadelphia in 2011, led Serbia to the Under-20 World Cup title this year, advancing past the US in the quarterfinals on penalties and beating Brazil in the final.


"Without a doubt I would love to someday return to MLS. For me it is a good chance I'll work there in the future. Playing in the US was a wonderful experience for me," Paunovic told FutbolMLS.com.



Of course, the Union currently have a head coach, Jim Curtin, who has taken the team to two consecutive US Open Cup finals, and owner Jay Sugarman has publicly backed him.


Still, the Union have undergone substantial changes in recent weeks, including hiring former US international Earnie Stewart as sporting director.


The Union did not give an official comment on the report when contacted by FutbolMLS.com.