River Plate, Gorosito close to coaching deal

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -Nestor Gorosito, a star River Plate midfielder in the 1980s, agreed in principle on Thursday to take over as club coach in January.

Gorosito, the current coach of Argentinos Juniors, met with River president Jose Maria Aguilar.

He would replace Diego Simeone, who stepped down as coach on Nov. 7 with the Buenos Aires club mired in last place in league play and eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana. River was still last in the Apertura, with only two wins in 18 matches.

"Things are very far along for me to go to River when the season is over,'' Gorosito told La Red radio. "I don't have anything signed with River's people. My agent will surely meet with them. It's almost certain that things will solidify.''

River vice president Julio Macchi told Todo Noticias that only "a couple of hours'' of talks are necessary to iron out remaining details, including salary, and a deal could be announced as early as next week.

Gorosito must also be approved by River's board.

The 44-year-old will beat out more experienced, renowned coaches such as Americo Gallego and Ramon Diaz, who heads Mexico's America.

Known as "Pipo,'' Gorosito came up through River's development system and from 1983 to 1988 he helped the team win two league titles, the Copa Libertadores and the Intercontinental Cup. He also represented Argentina from 1989-97, helping to win the 1993 Copa America.

He debuted as a coach in 2002 with Nueva Chicago, later leading San Lorenzo, Lanus and Rosario Central.

In 2007, Gorosito took the reins of Argentinos, which made the semifinals of the Copa Sudamericana this year. He has not won any titles as a coach.