'I am LAFC head coach right now' - Steve Cherundolo doesn't confirm, deny links to vacant USMNT coaching role

Speaking in a press conference after LAFC's Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup victory over New Mexico United Wednesday night, LAFC's Steve Cherundolo, considered by many to be a top candidate for the now vacant U.S. men's national team coaching role, would not directly confirm or deny his interest in the job.

TUDN has reported that the former U.S. international is expected to be a "finalist" for the position.

The question arrived due to the sacking of now former U.S. head coach Gregg Berhalter on Wednesday.

A number of names have been mentioned as potential candidates, including Jurgen Klopp - who "politely" rejcted an approach from U.S Soccer.

Cherundolo has emerged as a frontrunner among other candidates. The LAFC boss won MLS Cup and the MLS Supporters' Shield in his first season with the Black and Gold in 2022, and fell just short last season after reaching the final once again.

“I think it wouldn’t be the right time to speak about other things,” he said, when asked about his interest in the USMNT job. “I’m LAFC coach, and I am very proud to be LAFC’s coach and we have something really good going here, and we’re excited to be in the semifinals. So I understand the ask but I am going to talk about LAFC tonight.”

When asked if he would be LAFC's manager through the remainder of the season, Cherundolo responded, “I am LAFC head coach right now and that is my job, what I do every single day. Tomorrow morning training is at 11:15 and I will be there for that.”

LAFC take on the Columbus Crew in a cross-conference clash between two of MLS' elite Saturday night. They'll follow it up on Wednesday with a match against RSL, for a battle between the Western Conference's two top teams.