The U.S. males’s nationwide staff’s early exit from the 2024 Copa America has led to critical requires Gregg Berhalter’s firing as head coach.
Berhalter is just one yr into his second stint as head coach, however a bunch stage exit from this summer time’s competitors would possibly spell the tip of his time within the function. The 50-year-old watched because the USMNT struggled for consistency on the Copa America, dropping back-to-back matches in opposition to Panama and Uruguay to endure elimination.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup two years away, U.S. Soccer wants to contemplate a change with a view to get the USMNT prepared for an expertise of a lifetime.
Here’s a nearer have a look at a number of candidates that U.S. Soccer ought to take into account if they honestly resolve to half methods with Berhalter:
Jurgen Klopp, Free Agent
The percentages of U.S. Soccer having the funds to pay a supervisor like Klopp are slim, however why not take into account him?
Klopp has lifted 13 trophies throughout his managerial profession with each Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund. After leaving Liverpool final spring, Klopp has been available on the market for the previous few months as he ponders what’s subsequent for his profession.
The 57-year-old helped Liverpool get again into the limelight of English Soccer over the previous 10 years, successful the UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, and a number of home cups.
A reunion with former Borussia Dortmund participant Christian Pulisic would even be a optimistic for each the USMNT and Klopp.
Klopp has by no means managed a nationwide staff although, and who is aware of if he needs to go that route.
Steve Cherundolo, LAFC
A well-known face to USMNT followers could be LAFC boss Steve Cherundolo.
Cherundolo is in his fourth yr of being a head coach, remaining with MLS powerhouse LAFC. After lifting each the Supporters’ Defend and MLS Cup in 2022, Cherundolo led LAFC again to the league ultimate in 2023.
The present Western Convention leaders stay a significant menace to elevate one other league title by yr’s finish, a testomony to Cherundolo’s work with the membership.
After a 15-year enjoying profession in Germany, Cherundolo labored with Hannover’s youth system earlier than making his transfer again to North America. He earned 87 caps with the USMNT as a participant, successful the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2015.
If U.S. Soccer needs familiarity, Cherundolo could be the protected alternative, however once more, who is aware of the route that the federation needs to go.
Patrick Vieira, Strasbourg
Six years after leaving the US, Patrick Vieira might be an choice for the USMNT.
At present the supervisor of Ligue 1 facet Strasbourg, Vieira is in his fourth managerial stint of his profession. A former Arsenal and France legend as a participant, Vieira has additionally managed NYCFC, Crystal Palace, and Good in his profession.
The 48-year-old can also be extra reasonably priced than different coaches available on the market, incomes near $3 million a season in France.
Nonetheless, a profession 38% successful share in over 290 matches is a tad worrying for a USMNT program desirous to compete in opposition to the most effective on this planet.
Wilfried Nancy, Columbus Crew
Wilfried Nancy is just in his second season as head coach of the Columbus Crew however the 47-year-old is among the high choices in North America.
Nancy led the Crew to an MLS Cup win final season, defeating mighty LAFC 2-1 within the ultimate. The Frenchman has solely been a primary staff supervisor for 4 years now, beforehand working with CF Montreal from 2021-22.
Nancy has helped the Crew develop into a contender once more in MLS, whereas additionally making a deep run within the CONCACAF Champions Cup this season.
Whether or not or not Nancy needs to make the soar to a significant worldwide function stays to be seen, however he definitely must be thought of for his optimistic work in Columbus.
Zinedine Zidane, Free Agent
It’s been three years since Zinedine Zidane has been on the sidelines, however a transfer to the USMNT may assist him get again on the map.
Zidane served as Actual Madrid supervisor on two completely different spells, main Los Blancos to seven trophies, In 320 matches as supervisor of Actual Madrid’s first and second groups, Zidane has gained over 60% of his matches, proving he has been capable of ship a constant report.
Just like the others on this checklist, Zidane has by no means managed on the worldwide stage, opening the door to questions. Nonetheless, the 52-year-old definitely brings loads of expertise to the combo, one thing that you could’t educate.