#INSERT type:image caption:Juan Carlos Osorio defused rumors that he is on the radar for Mexico's vacant head coaching position. END#
Juan Carlos Osorio defused rumors that he is on the radar for Mexico's vacant head coaching position, saying on Monday that he is focused squarely on his current job with Sao Paulo in Brazil.
Osorio told Brazil's SporTV that he has had offers from national teams and while he "wants to go to the World Cup," didn't hint that a move was imminent.
"I'm a centered person and there are two or three national teams that could be a good blend between my footballing ideas and their footballing ideas," the Colombia native said. "The moment that happens, I will surely consider it.
"But right now, my job is here and I am here with Sao Paulo and I'm giving everything for Sao Paulo," he continued, adding on the same program that his team is in a process of transition this season.
The 54-year-old coach, who did stints in Major League Soccer with the New York Red Bulls and Chicago Fire, also stated that he is planning to retire as a coach when he turns 60, making Russia 2018 the only opportunity for him to fulfill his wish of going to the World Cup.
Osorio's name has been strongly linked to the Mexico job by ESPN as well as other outlets over recent days.
Mexico will face the United States on Oct. 10 in a single-match CONCACAF Cup playoff for a place in the 2017 Confederations Cup, with Tigres coach Ricardo "Tuca" Ferretti stepping in as interim manager.
Ferretti, however, has stated he doesn't want the job on a permanent basis.
Former head coach Miguel Herrera was fired from his position two days after El Tri won the Gold Cup in July, following an altercation with a TV reporter in Philadelphia's international airport.
Mexico begins its World Cup qualification on Nov. 13 at home to El Salvador and then travels to Honduras on Nov. 17.