90min

Jurgen Klopp swiftly declines USMNT approach

  • Just as quickly as interest was reported, the Jurgen Klopp dream is dead for USMNT fans
  • USA fired Gregg Berhalter yesterday, nine days after Copa America 2024 exit
  • It was always a pipe dream, wasn't it?

By Max Mallow

Well, that was fast USMNT fans. Klopp is no longer a pipe dream, possibility, anything in-between.
Well, that was fast USMNT fans. Klopp is no longer a pipe dream, possibility, anything in-between. / Clive Brunskill/GettyImages
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Jurgen Klopp has declined U.S. Soccer Federation's approach regarding the men's national team head coaching vacancy, according to David Ornstein.

Well, as swiftly as the excitement and hype built around the potential of Klopp taking over the reigns and leading the Stars and Stripes at the 2026 World Cup, the dream has died. Confirming an earlier report from today, the USSF approached the former Liverpool manager about the head coaching position. Klopp, to the dismay of USMNT fans, reaffirmed his commitment to taking a break from the sport, according to Ornstein.

USA fired Gregg Berhalter after a dismal Copa America 2024 campaign. The team unceremoniously failed to qualify for the knockout stage after losses to Panama and Uruguay. Its only win came against Bolivia, the lowest ranked team in this year's competition.

Jurgen Klopp
USA reportedly remains interested in hiring Klopp, but how possible is it? / Clive Brunskill/GettyImages

Klopp was never really a possibility... was he?

Klopp said goodbye to Liverpool at the end of this past Premier League season after nine memorable, successful years at the club. Throughout his farewell tour, Klopp mentioned he would never coach another English club again out of respect for Liverpool. More importantly, he expressed the need for a break from the sport after how grueling the last few years have been competing against the juggernaut that is Manchester City and Pep Guardiola (and Mikel Arteta the past two years).

Well, the first bit gave USMNT fans some hope. USA doesn't play in the Premier League! Don't have to worry about Pep in Concacaf or the 2026 World Cup... unless Guardiola feels like managing a national team in two years.

The second bit? You had your break Jurgen, hope you're well-rested! Plus, it's not as strenuous as a grueling 38-game season. In the eyes of USMNT fans, everything works out perfectly let's get training underway and we'll see you for the September friendly against Canada.

Except, it's not that simple and it was never that simple. Reading between the lines, this could've just been due diligence. You have to at least ask Klopp if he's interested. He's the best coach available, and for many still the best coach in the world. But, that's it. He said no. Though, Ornstein said the federation still remains interested in hiring him even after being told he wasn't interested.

U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker stated that this new coaching search had a sense of urgency considering what's at stake in 2026. This generation of players does not have a signature international moment, and there's no better place to have one than on home soil hosting a World Cup.

Klopp is now off the table, what's the next move?

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