The U.S. men’s national team can scratch Jurgen Klopp off of their managerial wish list.
After firing manager Gregg Berhalter on Wednesday, the USMNT approached Klopp about its vacancy. However, the former Liverpool manager rejected the offer, per the Athletic’s David Ornstein.
“Initial contact was made with Klopp regarding the possibility of leading the USMNT, but he reiterated that he would like a break from football, according to sources privy to the matter,” wrote Ornstein. “Despite that, interest remains, sources add, from U.S. Soccer in making the 57-year-old their next head coach.”
Klopp stepped down as Liverpool manager in May. In nine seasons under Klopp, the Reds captured the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League. They also won their first English Premier League title during the 2019-20 season, amassing a club-record 99 points.
“It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy,” Klopp said when announcing his exit in January. “I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again.”
ESPN’s Mark Ogden and Jeff Carlisle added even if Klopp wanted to manage again, “those concerns don’t begin to address his likely hefty financial demands, which would be well into eight figures.”
Expect the USMNT to move quickly, especially as it prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to Odgen and Carlisle, U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker said he would like to hire a new manager by the September international window.
Though he has never coached a national team, the USMNT may target Los Angeles FC manager Steve Cherundolo. During a recent appearance on “Fox Soccer Now,” Doug McIntyre of Fox Sports listed Cherundolo as a candidate, saying, “He checks a lot of boxes.”
