July 10, 2008
'HE BRINGS VERSATILITY'
Osorio optimistic about Jimenez

Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio doesn't know when defender Diego Jimenez will be able to play for his team. Be he does know the former Mexican youth international will be playing for his team once he is given the green light.

Jimenez agreed to contract terms with the club Tuesday. But he has to wait for MLS to approve his contract and for his visa.

Osorio was optimistic Jimenez will help the Red Bulls because he can play several positions.

"For starters, he has taken all the steps on the ladder, meaning he has played for the National Team at the Under-17, U-20 and U-21 levels," Osorio said Wednesday. "He is comfortable on the ball. He has a very good left foot."

"He brings versatility to the game. Hopefully, we can get the best out of that."

Osorio noted that Jimenez, a left-footed defender, can play on the flank or as a center back in a four-man backline. In a three-man formation, the Mexican can perform as a marker or a sweeper, the coach added.

Jimenez is one of three players who are awaiting league and immigration approval so he can be eligible for MLS matches when the summer transfer window opens Tuesday. The others are midfielders Jorge Rojas and Juan Pietravallo.

"We are waiting for the window to open," Osorio said. "I don't know which players will be available.

"It's the only thing we can do . . . -- get the players into our training as soon as possible, get them familiar with the players, the first team, the way we training and how we do things.

"Immigration, I have no control over that. I can only hope that they move as quickly as we have done and things will be resolved as quick as can be."