Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has turned down an approach from the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) to replace the recently dismissed Gregg Berhalter as the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) head coach, according to The Athletic.
Berhalter was sacked on Wednesday following the USMNT’s awful group-stage exit at the 2024 Copa America on home soil.
Klopp reportedly remained insistent that he wants to take a break from football after nine successive years in charge of Liverpool.
The 57-year-old wants that sabbatical, and the United States will find it difficult to get him to change his mind despite their keen interest.
It was only a matter of time before the German manager started receiving offers to return to football. The US team will not be the first or the last to wade proposals in his face as he embarks on his break.
The USSF will likely keep trying to break Klopp’s resolve, but he wants that time off, and they might have to look through other managers on their radar.
Klopp had gotten the USA’s hopes up when he said he would only abandon his break to manage Germany or the USA.
He further stoked the flames with a cryptic Instagram post during the American Independence celebrations on the 4th of July, saying, “It’s the perfect day to think about my trips with Liverpool FC to the States. We have had a great time & the US fans are electric! Happy 4th of July.”
However, he has rebuffed their approach and looks set to continue his break. The state of affairs in the USSF is a complete mess, and Klopp will not want to get involved. The USA job is one he needs to avoid.
Klopp might only consider a return if a bigger job opens up mid-season. Keep an eye on Bayern Munich if Vincent Kompany fails to steer the Bavarian ship in the right direction.
