Los Angeles (AFP) – Bruce Arena launches his second spell as coach of the USA when the Americans take on Serbia in a friendly football match in San Diego on January 29.

The former Los Angeles Galaxy boss was tapped to replace Jurgen Klinsmann at the helm last month.

Former Germany player and coach Klinsmann was sacked after the United States dropped their first two matches in the final round of North American qualifying for the 2918 World Cup — losing 2-1 at home to arch-rival Mexico and 4-0 at Costa Rica.

Arena, 65, guided the United States to the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals during his previous tenure from 1998-2006 and confirmed his return to the national team on November 22 in a deal that will keep him with the team through the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The friendly will come at the end of the Americans’ January training camp and will be followed by another friendly against an opponent still to be named.