Former U.S. men’s national team player and current LAFC manager, Steve Cherundolo, is a favorite from the U.S. Soccer Federation to become the USMNT’s new head coach. That’s if Gregg Berhalter is let go, of course.
LAFC manager Cherundolo linked to USMNT head coach position; Klopp will be contacted
Following the USMNT’s lackluster participation and ‘early’ exit from the 2024 Copa América, USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter has been under hot waters — with fans, pundits and personalities across the United States asking for the manager’s sacking.
U.S. supporter groups going as far as releasing statements asking for the USSF to let Berhalter go and look in another managerial direction, the potential candidates to replace Berhalter have began to make their way around social media, with Cherundolo now being the most probable option to take over the head coach position.
According to Doug McIntyre, U.S. Soccer has not made a final decision on Berhalter’s future and will most likely to do so on Monday. However, if Berhalter is to be let go of his position, USMNT fans should be ready ‘to embrace Steve Cherundolo as the new head coach.’
McIntyre also said the USSF will probably reach out to ‘dream option’ Jürgen Klopp, with the likeliness of the German coach accepting the head coach job being rather low.
So, Doug McIntyre has deep connections with US Soccer. His report with @JimmyConrad confirms 1) US Soccer hasn't made a final decision on Gregg. That happens Monday. 2) They probably will reach out to Klopp. 3) More likely, be ready to embrace Steve Cherundolo as the new coach. pic.twitter.com/9wDuWMlWcW
— Derek Richey (@BoomerRichey) July 7, 2024
Cherundolo is currently in his fourth year of being a head coach, lifting Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup in 2022 with LAFC, as well as leading the Los Angeles club to another league final in 2023.
Cherundolo transitioned from playing to coaching by working with Hannover’s youth system after a 15-year career with the German club, returning to the United States in 2021 to manage the Las Vegas Lights. As a player, he earned 87 caps with the USMNT and was part of the squads in the 2006 and 2010 World Cup.
The LAFC manager was linked to the USMNT head coach position in June 2023 amidst the USSF’s interview process that saw Gregg Berhalter ‘re-claim’ his job, with Cherundolo denying all links to the national team.
“The reports are completely fabricated and false... that's all I can say about that. I'm committed to LAFC and I plan on being here a long time” said Cherundolo.
