Jurgen Klopp, the renowned German football manager who recently left Liverpool Football Club after a successful nine-year tenure, has rejected an approach from the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) to become the next head coach of the US men's national team (USMNT), following Gregg Berhalter's dismissal. The USSF is reportedly still interested in Klopp despite his decision to decline formal discussions.
Berhalter was sacked on July 11, 2024, after the USMNT failed to advance past the group stage at this summer's Copa America tournament hosted in the United States. The team's disappointing performance led to growing fan dissatisfaction and concerns over its trajectory before the 2026 World Cup.
Klopp, who won eight major honors during his time at Liverpool, including a Premier League title and a Champions League crown, had previously suggested that he intended to take a break from management. However, interest in him from the US Soccer Federation remains strong due to his impressive track record and reputation as one of the best managers in football.
Despite Klopp's rejection, Matt Crocker, the USSF's sporting director, is determined to find a top-quality coach for the USMNT ahead of the September international window. The US will co-host the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico and will be looking to build on a Round of 16 exit in Qatar.
Berhalter's tenure as head coach of the USMNT was marked by mixed results, an often inefficient attack, and a defense prone to mistakes. His departure came just over a year after he was reinstated following controversy involving Gio Reyna and his family. The US Soccer Federation president, Cindy Parlow Cone, expressed gratitude for Berhalter's hard work and dedication to US Soccer and the men's national team.