Sports

Red Bulls coach expecting to redo contract

Contrary to reports, Red Bulls coach Mike Petke is under contract for next season. As a matter of fact, the Long Island native has not one but two more years left on what The Post has learned is a three-year pact signed in January.

Petke said he hasn’t signed an extension after a stellar rookie coaching campaign — and it’s unclear whether the existing deal contains a club or coach option — but after speaking with Red Bulls sporting director Andy Roxburgh, he’s confident a new deal will get done.

“Yes, that would be accurate,’’ Petke said. “I’ve had very good discussions and a very good relationship with Andy and the Red Bull organization. I’ve been here for a long time. I’m confident we’re going to work together fine. Whatever we come up is going to be beneficial for me, the club together. I’m not too worried about that. They said they’re pleased with me and they’d like me around, so we’re going to take it from there.’’

Petke was named head coach in January, and proceeded to lead the Red Bulls to the Supporters’ Shield, the first meaningful trophy in their history. They finished with an MLS-best 59 points on a 17-9-8 record in his rookie campaign. After talks with both Roxburgh and Global Head of Soccer Gerard Houllier over the past few weeks, Petke has been assured the organization wants to retain him. He already has begun planning for preseason camp and the CONCACAF Champions League.

“They obviously are happy with the way the season went,’’ Petke said. “To deliver the first significant trophy and at the same time [qualify] for the Champions League is a big accomplishment with this team and organization. They’re happy.

“But at the same time, as well as the way I think, that’s a great memory to have and that’s something that we’ll have in our trophy case — it isn’t empty any more — now it’s on to the next thing. We’re all committed to continuing the success next year.’’

Petke said players arrive for physicals around Jan. 24 and will depart for preseason training after that. That aforementioned Champions League will mean the Red Bulls will be competing for four different trophies, including MLS Cup, the U.S. Open Cup and defending their Supporters’ Shield title.

“It’s going to be an interesting dynamic next year with revolving players and figuring out what our goals are,” Petke said. “Obviously it’s easy to say our goals are all four of them, but we might have to sacrifice one or two to attain one goal. That’s something that we’ve been talking about.’’

The Post reported the Red Bulls will get $100,000 in salary cap relief for qualifying for the Champions League and would get $200,000 should they advance to the quarterfinals. Petke was vague when asked whether injured defender Heath Pierce – recovering from season-ending surgery – will be part of next year’s plans.