June 8, 2024; Landover, Md.; U.S. head coach Gregg Berhalter (right) stands with his staff during the national anthem before a friendly match against Colombia at Commander’s Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports According to multiple media reports, the United States Soccer Federation has expressed interest in recruiting Jurgen Klopp to coach the men’s national team, but the former Liverpool manager is said to be unwilling to agree.
ESPN and The Athletic each cited sources on Thursday as saying that the 57-year-old Klopp is determined to take a break from management after nearly nine years at Liverpool, where he led the Reds to eight major honours before leaving in May.
U.S. Soccer immediately launched a coaching search after announcing the firing of Gregg Berhalter on Wednesday following a string of disappointing results, most recently a win over Bolivia and a group stage exit at the 2024 Copa America, which will be hosted by the United States, after losses to Panama and Uruguay.
Berhalter led the U.S. to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup, raising expectations for progress that has not been made in terms of wins. The U.S. wants to build momentum for the 2026 World Cup, which it will co-host with Canada and Mexico.
U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker said Wednesday he hopes to hire a new coach by September. The league can hire an interim coach if needed.
“I just want to hire the best coach I can to help the team win,” Crocker said. “Whether it’s from the U.S. or from another country, it has to be someone who fits the profile of a coach who has had a winning streak and can continue to develop potential players.”
Other names speculated to replace Berhalter, who has been in the spotlight since before the Copa America, include France’s Thierry Henry, Argentina’s Marcelo Bielsa and Mauricio Pochettino, and MLS managers Wilfried Nancy and Steve Cherundolo.
Klopp led Liverpool to their first Premier League title in 30 years and their first Champions League title since 2005. But upon leaving in May, Klopp said he “absolutely loved everything” about the club, the staff, the city and the Liverpool supporters but felt compelled to leave.
“It’s just that I’m running out of energy,” Klopp said. “There’s absolutely no problem right now. Obviously, I’ve known that for a long time, so I’ll have to make an announcement at some point. But right now, it’s absolutely fine. I know I can’t keep doing that, and keep doing it, and keep doing it.”
–Field level media
