The US federation would apparently like to tackle the 2026 World Cup at home with Jürgen Klopp. But his answer is as expected
On Wednesday night, the US Soccer Federation announced the departure of coach Gregg Berhalter. In the search for a successor, the first prominent rejection appears to have come shortly afterwards.
As The Athletic reports, there was initial contact between the association and Jürgen Klopp’s management, but the latter politely declined. Anything else would have been a surprise: Klopp had left Liverpool FC prematurely in the summer after around eight and a half years in charge, despite a contract still valid until 2026, on the grounds that he needed a break.
A quick return like in 2015 is unlikely
Although he had also returned to the job earlier than planned in 2015 after leaving Borussia Dortmund when the Reds came calling, this time he had expressed his need for a longer break even more vehemently. It is nevertheless conceivable that he will one day return as national team coach.
The job at the US federation would certainly not have been attractive: The latter is looking for a coach two years before the home World Cup, which it will host jointly with Canada and Mexico, “who can maximize our potential as we prepare for the 2026 World Cup”, as sporting director Matt Crocker had emphasized in the wake of Berhalter’s departure. The former Bundesliga professional had to go after the USA were eliminated in the group stage of the Copa America as hosts despite an opening win.
The USA has already had experience with German national team coaches. Jürgen Klinsmann last coached the team between 2011 and 2016. Only Bruce Arena has been on the sidelines more often in the history of the association than the World and European champion, whose tenure was nonetheless mixed. Before him, Lothar Osiander from Munich had also coached the US team (1986 to 1988).
