Who could replace Gregg Berhalter as USMNT coach? Klopp, Henry, Bielsa possible candidates

The Copa América 2024 campaign will go down in US soccer history as one of the biggest false starts in living memory. Before a ball was kicked, fans were noshing the buttons off their keyboards in a frenzy to state just how fruitful this tournament (that contains 3 countries each with multiple World Cup wins) could be as a springboard for the 2026 World Cup.

*Narrator’s voice* It didn’t happen, and the USA crashed out in the group stages...

With the USMNT squad licking their wounds after spirited but ultimately flawed performances, attention has inevitably turned to the role of head coach Gregg Berhalter in all of this, the man who returned to guide them to glory and stability, with a plan to make the US one of the top teams across the globe.

Now, however, his future seems to be hanging by a thread of his Nike Dri-FIT authentic home shirt, and plenty of potential names have been mentioned as to who could replace him, were the axe to fall.

Jürgen Klopp

One reason why it could happen: Klopp is indeed out of work at the moment after leaving Liverpool in the hands of Arne Slot. The German has been linked with plenty of jobs around the globe but as of yet, nothing has gone further than simple rumours, which could suggest he’s not been enticed enough by anything. The US project, as doom-and-gloom as it feels, has huge potential.

One reason why it couldn’t happen: Klopp is an elite manager who has made his claim as being in the top three coaches of not just the world but his generation. Taking on a more sporadic international role doesn’t exactly fit with an elite level manager who wants to step back into the game and make a bang. As well as that, so far he’s not been linked with a manager role, just sporting directors and other jobs away from the touchline, possibly suggesting he’s not keen to dive in just yet - and the USMNT needs fixing now.

Thierry Henry

One reason why it could happen: Henry is out of work at the moment and has previous international experience at the top level, working as Roberto Martínez’s assistant as part of the Belgium National Team setup. That’s two reasons, meaning I’ve already broken the rules, so here’s another: the language barrier won’t be a problem and he probably is already well aware of the vast majority of the squad in terms of names and traits.

One reason why it couldn’t happen: While Henry has experience as a coach, he has never reached success from the bench and appears happy to work as an analyst. If the US were to take a leap of faith with Henry, there is a risk that it could backfire. Of the names mentioned, it’s perhaps the most likely, but it’s also the riskiest.

Marcelo Bielsa

One reason why it could happen: Bielsa loves quirkier jobs in football: Athletic Club, Marseille and Leeds United are not the typical selections for a coach as lauded as ‘El Loco’, but he goes where the passion is and stature is not a defining factor in his decision making when it comes to choosing where to spread his wisdom.

One reason why it couldn’t happen: Right now, Bielsa is currently doing what everyone wishes Berhalter was doing: leading his national team on a charge to the title of Copa América 2024 winners. Bielsa has instilled his high-energy philosophy into the squad in little time and they look pretty much unbeatable right now. Pulling him away from there would be the equivalent of an ambitious puppy running from east to west in an attempt to stop the rotation of the earth.

Pep Guardiola

One reason why it could happen: it won’t.

One reason why it couldn’t happen: I’m surprised you scrolled this far to check.

So, then, the US soccer project seems to be grinding to an unwanted halt, right as everyone hoped it would be picking up speed and momentum. Whether Berhalter continues or not has not yet been decided, but that, dear reader, is only one half of the question of where to go next.