Jurgen Klopp has rejected an offer from the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) to take over as men’s national team coach following the firing of Gregg Berhalter.
Sources familiar with the matter said there had been initial contact with Klopp about the possibility of coaching the U.S. national team, but the coach reiterated that he wanted to take some time off from soccer. Nevertheless, the U.S. Soccer Federation remains interested in making the 57-year-old the next head coach, the sources added.
Berhalter was fired on Wednesday following the U.S. men’s soccer team’s elimination in the group stage this summer. Copa Americawas held locally.
Klopp officially steps down Liverpool In May he ended a transformative nine-year tenure at Anfield which saw him win eight major honours.
“I absolutely love everything about this club, I love everything about the city, all the supporters, all the team and staff, I love everything, but the fact that I’m still taking this decision shows that I am convinced this is the decision I have to make,” he said when announcing his departure in January.
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“I’m running out of energy. Of course, it’s OK now. I’ve known for a long time that I would have to announce it at some point, but it’s OK now. I know I can’t keep doing the work over and over and over again.”
Klopp has been a success at Anfield (Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Under his guidance, Liverpool achieved their first Premier League First title in 30 years Champions League In 2005 they Tottenham Hotspur 2019.
The approach to Klopp comes as the United States prepares for the 2026 World Cup, which it will co-host with Canada. MexicoThey are looking to improve on their last-16 exit in Qatar 18 months ago.
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U.S. Soccer Federation sporting director Matt Crocker stressed the urgency of the coaching search following Berhalter’s firing, which came after a “comprehensive review” of the team’s performance in the Copa America.
“Our immediate focus is to find a coach who can maximise our potential as we continue to prepare for the 2026 World Cup and the search has already begun,” he said.
Berhalter’s departure comes after a tenure marked by a mix of accomplishments and controversy.
His reappointment last summer came as a surprise, despite leading the U.S. to the knockout stage of the 2022 World Cup and winning two CONCACAF Nations League titles and a Gold Cup. Issues with key players, including a high-profile feud with young star Gio Reyna, and a string of lackluster results, culminating in a disappointing Copa America, ultimately led to his dismissal.
The U.S. national team won the Copa America with a 2-0 victory over Bolivia, but lost to Panama. Uruguay As a result, they were eliminated early, becoming the first host country to be eliminated in the group stage since the single-host format was adopted in 1987.
Reflecting on their performance, Crocker said, “Our tournament performance fell short of expectations. We need to work harder.”
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Additional reporting by Greg O’Keefe and James Pearce
(Top photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
