The United States Soccer Federation has begun reaching out to potential candidates to replace recently fired manager Gregg Berhalter. Among the names floated is former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. However, sources have told ESPN that it’s highly unlikely the charismatic German will take the conversation further.
Klopp, 57, has been clear about his intention to take a 12-month hiatus from management after nearly nine years with Liverpool. An insider revealed to ESPN that Klopp might even consider stepping away from management entirely. Additionally, his substantial financial demands, likely to exceed eight figures, present another significant hurdle.
The search for a new manager comes in the wake of the USMNT’s disappointing performance in the 2024 Copa América, where they failed to advance past the group stage, leading to Berhalter’s dismissal on Wednesday.
U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker stated in a press call on Wednesday that he aims to begin the search “straight away” and hopes to appoint a new manager by the September international window.
“I want to get the best coach possible who can help the team win, whether they’re from the U.S. or elsewhere,” Crocker said. “They need to be a serial winner and capable of developing this promising group of players.”
Despite Crocker’s ambition to expedite the process, he’s prepared to appoint an interim coach if necessary.
“I understand the challenges that might prevent us from securing a new manager by September,” he added. “If that’s the case, I have a contingency plan to ensure consistency through the September window and avoid major disruption.”
