USMNT make 'initial contact' with Jurgen Klopp as former Liverpool boss emerges as top target to replace Gregg Berhalter

A disappointing showing at the 2024 Copa America, which delivered a historic group stage exit, has forced change in the United States camp. They are ready to open a new coaching chapter after bringing Berhalter’s second spell at the helm to a close.

Various candidates have already been linked with the vacant post, with there talk of Klopp becoming a target before Behalter was relieved of his duties. The German is only a matter of weeks into a coaching sabbatical that saw him sever ties with Premier League giants Liverpool after “running out of energy”.

According to The Independent, the USMNT have sounded Klopp out regarding a return to management in the international arena – giving him more free time than is on offer in the club game. He may be given the chance to lead the U.S. towards a World Cup that they will co-host in 2026.

U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone said in the immediate aftermath of Berhalter’s departure: “I want to thank Gregg for his hard work and dedication to US Soccer and our men’s national team. We are now focused on working with our sporting director Matt Crocker and leveraging his experience at the highest levels of the sport to ensure we find the right person to lead the USMNT into a new era of on-field success.”

It remains to be seen whether Klopp is the “right person” for that job, with the 50-year-old enjoying a break that is allowing him to spend more time with family and friends. Further discussions may be held, while there are plenty of other options for the USMNT to consider.