Cuper to reject Argentina overtures
June 26, 2002
Internazionale coach Hector Cuper has vowed to see out his contract at the club despite admitting that he is flattered to have been linked with replacing Marcelo Bielsa as Argentina boss. "I feel very honoured, but I have first of all to fulfil my obligations with Inter," he said.
Onefootball
Bielsa was removed as coach after Argentina crashed out of the World Cup at the group stages, and the job offered to his former assistant Nestor Pekerman.
Should the former Argentina Under-20 coach turn down the job, though, Cuper, along with former defender Oscar Ruggeri and former Boca Juniors coach Carlos Bianchi, would come into contention.
"Quite apart from my professional and personal obligations to Inter, I must also respect the contract I have signed with the club," Cuper said. "If I was fired, I would expect to be paid until the last day of my contract; I must also respect the deal.
"I am really happy to be considered in the list if candidates, because that means I am doing my job properly, but I couldn't accept anything like this until I have ended my contract with Inter."
An impressive first season with Inter ended in disappointment as the Nerazzuri choked at the last to finish the season in third place.