The immediate past manager at Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, has reportedly turned down the opportunity to become the next head coach of the United States men’s national team.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Klopp has declined an offer to step in for Gregg Berhalter, who was fired Wednesday following the United States lacklustre performance in the Copa America.
This decision could have significant implications for the future of the team.
According to Ornstein, Klopp has expressed his desire for a break from coaching after the USSF initially contacted him about the position.
However, despite Klopp’s refusal, Ornstein’s sources indicate that U.S. Soccer is still keen on hiring the German as its next permanent coach.
Klopp is currently without a job after concluding his successful nine-year tenure with Liverpool in May.
His future plans remain uncertain, adding to the intrigue surrounding his next move.
Berhalter had led the United States men’s team for nearly six years, which was technically divided into two separate tenures.
His first tenure saw the team’s steady improvement, but his second tenure was marred by the team’s elimination in the group stage of the Copa America, leading to his dismissal.
This recent performance might have influenced Klopp’s decision to decline the offer.
How Berhalter Got Sacked
Sportxparte reports that Gregg Berhalter was dismissed as the head coach of the USMNT after his team’s underwhelming performance in the group stage of the Copa America.
The US team suffered losses to Panama and Uruguay, leading to the end of the 50-year-old’s second term as coach, following his initial success in guiding them to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup.
US football president, Cindy Parlow Cone, had expressed his gratitude to Berhalter for his commitment and efforts towards US Soccer and the men’s national team.
In his farewell, Cone said: “I want to thank Gregg for his hard work and dedication to US Soccer and our men’s national team.
“We are now focused on working with our sporting director Matt Crocker and leveraging his experience at the highest levels of the sport to ensure we find the right person to lead the USMNT into a new era of on-field success.”
On his part, the teams’ sporting director, Matt Crocker, said: “Our immediate focus is on finding a coach who can maximize our potential as we continue to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, and we have already begun our search process.”
“The right person” is reportedly Jurgen Klopp, who has been enjoying his break from coaching after departing Liverpool.
