US Soccer wants Jürgen Klopp to revolutionize the USMNT, but he says no
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It's a big deal in US Soccer, it's controversial, and it promises to heat up discussions in the coming months. Gregg Berhalter's resignation after a poor performance at the Copa America opened the door to speculation about who would be the new captain of the USMNT team. And the name of the moment is none other than Jürgen Klopp.
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Yes, you read that right. The man who made history at Liverpool, leading the English club to glories not seen for decades, was on the Americans' radar. Klopp, who left Liverpool in May, was approached by US Soccer, according to The Independent. The idea was clear: bring in the charismatic German to revolutionize the national team and prepare it for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The disastrous Copa America campaign was the last straw for Berhalter, who even lasted a long time in the job and failed to take advantage of one of the team's best generations. With one win and two defeats, the USMNT were eliminated in the group stage, apart from other performances before the competition on the American continent began. It took a while, but US Soccer couldn't accept their recent performances any longer, especially with expectations growing for the World Cup on home soil. Matt Crocker, the federation's sporting director, is leading the search for a new coach and wanted someone of Klopp's caliber.
Just imagine the scene: Jürgen Klopp, with all his charisma and energy, in charge of the American national team, inspiring a generation of talented players who are hungry for success. It would be the perfect combination, wouldn't it? But, as life is not a fairy tale, Klopp politely declined the offer, saying he needs a break from soccer after nine intense years in charge of Liverpool.
In his farewell speech to the English team, he made it clear that he was exhausted: "I'm running out of energy. I knew I'd have to announce it at some point. I'm still fine, but I know I can't do the job again and again and again".
The German was consistent. Now the clock is ticking. US Soccer is urgently looking for a coach who can bring a new mentality to the team, especially as the 2026 World Cup approaches. The pressure is on and expectations are high. The American fans want a competitive team that can do well at home and, who knows, surprise them at the World Cup.
Other names are also being considered, such as Hervé Renard, the current coach of the French women's national team. But let's face it, convincing a coach of Klopp's caliber is no easy task. US Soccer will have to show much more than just a willingness to change. They need to present a solid project that will convince a big name in world soccer to bet on the American team.
Klopp, in his time at Liverpool from 2016 to 2024, won historic titles, including the Premier League and the Champions League. He has become an iconic figure, not only for his success on the pitch, but also for his charismatic and passionate leadership style. Seeing Klopp in charge of the American national team would be a dream for many soccer fans in the United States.
But for now, that dream will have to wait. Klopp wants to rest, recharge his batteries, and perhaps only think about new challenges next summer. Meanwhile, US Soccer continues its search, trying to find the ideal name to take the national team to new heights.
Expectations are high, and so is the pressure. The US national team has a generation of talented players who need strong leadership to reach their full potential. The arrival of a renowned coach could be the boost the USMNT needs to become a force on the international stage.
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