In a quite unsurprising sequence of occasions, the U.S. males’s nationwide group underperformed on the large stage.
The U.S. on Monday have been eradicated within the Copa America group stage after falling to Uruguay 1-0 in a must-win recreation.
It marked an inexcusable exit contemplating the U.S. have been additionally grouped with Panama and Bolivia. On the minimal, the U.S. ought to’ve superior into the knockout rounds in second place.
As a substitute, the U.S. grew to become a laughingstock in the midst of its most necessary cycle with the 2026 World Cup two years away. Supervisor Gregg Berhalter’s job got here into query as soon as once more as he has but to show he can elevate the USMNT into conversations with a number of the world’s greatest nations, even after his controversial re-hire in June of 2023.
Although the USMNT does not have a managerial job opening in the meanwhile, who ought to be thought-about for the function if Berhalter is not in cost? These 5 candidates could match the invoice:
USMNT legend Tim Howard discusses if Gregg Berhalter is the best coach to guide america males’s nationwide soccer group.
Jurgen Klopp, free agent
There is not any doubt that Klopp is the very best free agent available on the market. After simply leaving Liverpool within the English Premier League, the multi-time home league winner and Champions League winner is rumored to be taking a break whereas solely a handful of initiatives could entice him contemplating what he is already achieved.
Why the U.S. could be intriguing is as a result of he hasn’t managed a nationwide group but. A German native, the Germany nationwide group is managed by rising teenager Julian Nagelsmann, in order that function will not be open anytime quickly.
Klopp is thought for his potential to develop gamers into stars, give kids a deserving probability and, occasionally, make groups punch above their weight. His 4-3-3 heavy-pressing model can also go well with the profiles on the USMNT, together with translating properly in worldwide soccer.
It might be a dream rent and a longshot, although it is a dialog the U.S. has obtained to try.
Wilfried Nancy, Columbus Crew
If the U.S. needs to faucet into the rising star market, there’s an choice proper at residence in MLS.
A Frenchman with over a decade of MLS teaching expertise, Nancy most just lately led the Columbus Crew to a cup title in 2023. The Crew additionally reached the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup Remaining, however misplaced to Pachuca on the street.
Nancy, 47, is thought for his fluid three center-back formation with two wingbacks holding the width and two defensive midfielders in entrance of the defenders (3-4-2-1 variations) that MLS groups had hassle countering. That particular model could not match the USMNT’s gamers or worldwide soccer, however Nancy might be a reputation value calling even when there are some dangers.
Hugo Perez, free agent
If it is the previous USMNT participant route that turns into the selection, then Perez might be a reputation to look at.
Perez performed for 14 years — together with within the U.S. — from 1982 to 1996. He had 73 caps for the USMNT and scored 13 targets as a midfielder from 1984 to 1994 earlier than being inducted into the Nationwide Soccer Corridor of Fame in 2008.
He labored as a coach for the U.S. U14s and 15s from 2012 to 2014, however left on account of unconfirmed causes. Since 2015, he is been with the El Salvador nationwide group — the place he was born — in numerous capacities and most just lately served because the senior group’s head coach from 2021 to 2023 earlier than being let go.
There’d be dangers with Perez due to his teaching resume, however he represented the U.S. on the 1984 Olympics, 1991 Gold Cup (which the U.S. received) and the 1994 World Cup, so he is been concerned within the largest tournaments from a participant perspective.
Sergio Conceicao, free agent
Conceicao simply left Portugal’s FC Porto after a seven-year stint the place he received three league titles, amongst different home trophies. From his 17-year enjoying profession to 14-year teaching profession, there’s not a lot Conceicao hasn’t received or seen.
He additionally had 56 caps for the Portuguese nationwide group and performed as a ahead, although he is but to teach a nationwide group.
Conceicao’s groups have a mix of excessive technical prowess and grit defensively, which have deeply troubled a few of Europe’s elites within the Champions League.
He most just lately used variations of a 4-2-3-1 with Porto, which is a formation that may work properly with the present U.S. setup. He will not be a family identify for many followers, however the high quality is actually there.
Pep Guardiola, Manchester Metropolis
Properly, why not? Guardiola has hinted at leaving Manchester Metropolis on the finish of the 2024-25 Premier League season, with the membership’s 115 prices case in opposition to the league set to warmth up later within the 12 months.
Guardiola is considered one if, if not the, greatest supervisor of all time on account of his expertise identification, formations, playstyles and changes, to not point out how a lot he is received as each a participant and coach with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and extra.
His 4-3-3 model would positively match the U.S., however there could be considerations if the gamers have sufficient high quality to carry out what he calls for. His possession-based, low-risk model additionally is not the very best for worldwide soccer, however he is a reputation the U.S. additionally ought to a minimum of attempt for as he spends extra time within the nation.