U.S. Soccer will have to move on to plan B in their search for a new USMNT head coach. The organization officially fired Gregg Berhalter on Wednesday following the team’s disappointing showing at Copa America 2024. Despite playing their matches on home soil, the Stars and Stripes failed to reach the knockout round of the tournament.
Almost immediately after sacking Berhalter, U.S. Soccer technical director Matt Crocker turned his attention to Jurgen Klopp. The now-former Liverpool manager was undoubtedly the marquee man to take over at the helm. Nevertheless, the German coach has reportedly rejected the opportunity to replace Berhalter.
With Klopp out of the running for the USMNT job, Crocker has to target other candidates. While the search is certainly not over just yet, it appears as if Steve Cherundolo is now reportedly leading the race. The 45-year-old American is currently in charge of Major League Soccer side LAFC and previously earned 87 caps with the USMNT as a defender.
LAFC coach drops hint at USMNT managerial links
Cherundolo was essentially asked about the links with the national team on Thursday. Following LAFC’s U.S. Open Cup victory against New Mexico, the coach faced a series of questions during a press conference. One reporter specifically asked the manager if he expects to remain with the MLS team.
The LAFC coach, however, responded to the fairly straightforward question with a coy answer. “I am LAFC’s head coach right now and, um, that is my job and what I do every single day,” Cherundolo stated with a smile. “Tomorrow morning, training is at 11:15 and I will be there for that.”
Michele Giannone, TUDN’s lead USMNT reporter, responded to the 20-second clip by confirming the links between the two sides. “[Cherundolo] has indeed had those conversations and, as of now, if he’s not the leading candidate, he will definitely be a finalist for the job, I believe,” Giannone wrote on social…
Author : Chris Moore
Publish date : 2024-07-12 15:08:27
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Author : soccernews
Publish date : 2024-07-12 15:11:19
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.