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Jacob Schneider

USMNT legend Clint Dempsey believes that a 'huge test' in Copa America could decide the future of boss Gregg Berhalter

USMNT leged Clint Dempsey believes that the 2024 Copa America could either be the peak or end of boss Gregg Berhalter's tenure.

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  • Dempsey gives exclusive Berhalter interview
  • Believes Copa America is make-or-break for USMNT boss
  • Says 'questions' will come about if bad performances arrive

  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    On the set of Destination Miami with CBS Sports Soccer, Dempsey spoke to the Daily Mail about Berhalter's current form with the USMNT. The ex-striker believes, now, that the next year will define the American's time with the USA - NOT - the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The result of that tournament is in the past, and this is a new era for his squad, meaning they can only look forward.

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  • Reyna USMNT Trinidad and Tobago 2023Getty

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Berhalter's performances of late have put him under the scrutiny of many after falling to Germany in an international friendly in October, and then suffering an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Trinidad and Tobago in the Concacaf Nations League in November. Now, with the biggest tournament of 2024 upon him, Dempsey believes that Copa America could define his tenure with the USMNT.

  • WHAT DEMPSEY SAID

    "I think Copa America is truly how you're going to be graded for the team,' Dempsey told Mail Sport, 'And, you know, for the coaches, are we doing the right thing? Because you're not gonna get another bigger opportunity to do well in the World Cup on home soil in 2026. So if you do well in [the Copa America] and you're building towards something, then that's great. But if you're not, I think there's still time to change things if you need to.
    "You don't do well, then you're always on the chopping block,' Dempsey added. "That's what comes with every job, right? If you're not performing, the question starts to be asked. So I think there's still time to show what you can do. But I think Copa America is going to be a huge test for this team and for this coach in terms of where we're going."

  • WHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?

    The USSF have scheduled an international friendly against Slovenia for January 20, with the first test of the year for Berhalter and co. being against the EURO 2024 side. For now, though, Berhalter will be having his eyes on his player's club performances, especially that of Ricardo Pepi, who notched a stoppage-time winner for PSV in the Champions League Wednesday.