USMNT

Jürgen Klopp responds to interest from US men’s national team

The German coach has distanced himself from the advances from US Soccer as they look for a coach to lead the team into the 2026 World Cup.

Estados Unidos
ANDY RAINEFE

The bad news continues for the USMNT after their early 2024 Copa America elimination and subsequent departure from coach Gregg Berhalter. US Soccer are looking for a leading figure to lead the team ahead of the 2026 World Cup with the US one of three co-hosts along with Canada and Mexico. Jürgen Klopp was rumoured to be top of their wanted list but it looks like the German has turned his back on the overtures.

Liverpool's former German manager Jurgen Klopp PAUL ELLISAFP

UK based The Independent were quick to announce that US Soccer had established contact with Klopp’s entourage through intermediaries but subsequently reported that the former Liverpool coach declined their proposal.

The Athletic also report that Klopp has confirmed to US Soccer know that he is currently opting to take an extended break from football after a long spell of almost a decade at Liverpool and needs time to recharge his batteries before considering his next challenge in the game.

USMNT search continues

US Soccer now need to widen their net with a solid showing at the next World Cup imperative for the organisation, team and also the sport in the US. Following Berhalter’s recent departure, US Soccer’s sporting director Matt Crocker stated:

Our immediate goal is to find a coach who can maximize our potential as we continue to prepare for the World Cup and we have already begun our search process,” Crocker explained.

“I know it’s a really competitive market out there salary wise, and we have to be competitive to get the level of coach that I believe can take the program forward in terms of achieving the results that we need to do on the field,” Crocker added. “But I’m also really conscious that we need to continue to drive for higher standards and equality. But I don’t think that’s going to be a stumbling block in terms of our investment; our national team is a priority. It’s something we’re prepared to invest in and something that we will be investing in.

“I just want to get the best coach possible,” he added. “And whether they’re from the U.S. or elsewhere, they’ve got to fit the profile, which is a serial winning coach, somebody that can continue to develop this potential group of players.”

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