MLS: Queiroz to leave MetroStars for Japan

• by Soccer America , Sep 16, 1996

MetroStars head coach Carlos Queiroz will resign after the MLS season to become the coach of Nagoya Grampus Eight in the J-League.

Queiroz, the former Portuguese national team coach who replaced Eddie Firmani at the helm of the Metros earlier this season, will reportedly be paid $2 million a year.

Grampus Eight reportedly pressured Queiroz to make a decision on its offer by Monday. The J-League club's current coach, Frenchman Arsene Wenger, will leave the team after its Sept. 28 match to take the reins at Arsenal of the English Premier League.

"The offer from Japan was extremely lucrative," said MetroStars GM Charlie Stillitano, "and while we were able to make a substantial offer ourselves, in the end we could not compete financially with Grampus Eight and the J-League."

Queiroz is obligated to the MetroStars through the end of the MLS season. Right now, the team is in third place in the Eastern Conference, and needs a regulation victory to secure a playoff spot.

"We are committed to bringing in another coach on the same level as Carlos Queiroz," said Stillitano. "We wish him well. He's been an excellent coach for the MetroStars. He and our team remain very focused on earning a playoff berth."