June 8, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; United States head coach Gregg Berhalter (right) stands with his team during the national anthem before their friendly match against Colombia at Commanders Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports The United States Soccer Federation’s interest in hiring Jurgen Klopp to coach the men’s national team is not shared by the former Liverpool manager, according to multiple media reports.
ESPN and The Athletic both cited sources on Thursday as saying that Klopp, 57, was determined to take a break from his managerial career after nearly nine years at Liverpool. Before his departure in May, Klopp had guided Liverpool to eight major titles.
The U.S. Soccer Federation immediately began searching for a head coach after announcing the firing of Gregg Berhalter on Wednesday following a string of disappointing results. The U.S. national soccer team failed to advance from the group stage with a win over Bolivia and losses to Panama and Uruguay at the 2024 Copa America, hosted by the United States.
Berhalter led the U.S. team to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup, raising expectations of progress that have not been realized in terms of victories. The Americans want to continue their momentum heading into the 2026 World Cup as co-hosts with Canada and Mexico.
U.S. Soccer Federation sporting director Matt Crocker said Wednesday he hopes to hire a new manager by September. The federation could hire an interim coach if necessary.
“I just want to have the best coach possible that can help the team win and whether he’s from the United States or elsewhere, he has to fit the profile, which is a serial winning coach, someone who can continue to develop this potential group of players,” Crocker said.
Other names being mooted as a replacement for Berhalter – who was already under scrutiny ahead of the Copa America – include France’s Thierry Henry, Argentina’s Marcelo Bielsa and Mauricio Pochettino and MLS coaches Wilfried Nancy and Steve Cherundolo.
Klopp led Liverpool to their first Premier League crown in 30 years and their first Champions League title since 2005. But as he left in May, Klopp said that while he “loves absolutely everything” about the club, the staff, the city and the Liverpool fans, he had to go.
“I’m running out of energy,” Klopp said. “I have no problem now, obviously I knew for a long time that I would have to announce it at some point, but I’m perfectly fine now. I know I can’t do the job over and over and over and over again.”
–Field level media
