USMNT
What did Tim Howard say about Gregg Berhalter and the USMNT?
The former goalkeeper has lashed out against Berhalter’s time as head coach of the USMNT.
The United States’ golden generation continues to fail to make the leap at the elite level. After a disappointing group stage, Gregg Berhalter’s team failed to qualify for the Copa América knockout rounds.
The media and fans are calling for Berhalter’s departure and are waiting for the arrival of a top coach. Now, former U.S. national team goalkeeper Tim Howard has said he believes US Soccer officials could convince Jürgen Klopp to take over, even though the former Liverpool boss left Liverpool in order to take a break from coaching.
Howard claims US job would be a ‘compelling argument’
“I am willing to help my country in any way I can. Proud to serve. So if I was in charge of US Soccer right now, I’d be on my way to the airport. Why? Because I believe I could make a very compelling argument to Jurgen Klopp to take over the US Men’s National Team.,” he wrote in an article for the Daily Mail.
Howard believes that money would not be an issue for Klopp, arguing that “The money is certainly there. So my pitch would be simple: he has a young group of players who can play progressive, front-foot soccer - exactly like his Liverpool teams. And in two years’ time he can go to the biggest World Cup in history.”
Although Berhalter bears the responsibility for the US elimination, Howard believes the players must also take the blame and back their coach up with performances.
“No doubt Berhalter will shoulder the responsibility. That’s just the way sports works. But let’s be clear: a lot of the blame lies with the players.
Berhalter bye-bye:
“I know that probably puts me in the minority. But I was part of the national team for 15 years and there were times when we played for a manager who wasn’t very good. What did we do? We banded together and - in spite of that manager - we fought, we won big games and we punched above our weight.”
Despite this, Howard believes that Berhalter’s tenure is nearing its end, and believes it is time to look for a coach who can take advantage of the best generation of the U.S. national team.