Gregg Berhalter has been fired after a seven-year tenure as the top coach of the USMNT following a disastrous Copa America group stage exit.
Berhalter, who led the USMNT to 2 Gold Cups and a Nations League, didn’t beat a top-25-ranked group outdoors of CONCACAF. US Soccer is predicted to call Berhalter’s alternative forward of their September pleasant towards Canada.
Berhalter took over the USMNT job after Bruce Area’s resignation in December 2018. He led the USMNT into the World Cup for the primary time since 2014, taking them to the spherical of 16. Berhalter finishes his stint in Chicago with 44 wins, 15 losses, and 13 ties. His largest accomplishment with the USMNT was successful back-to-back Nations League titles over Canada and Mexico. He additionally gained one Gold Cup in 2021.
Berhalter led USMNT to a woeful group-stage exit
Berhalter started to face criticism after the 2022 World Cup. US Soccer let his contract expire amid a scandal between Berhalter and star Gio Reyna’s household. After an investigation surrounding Gio Reyna’s lack of taking part in time, Berhalter was rehired to deliver success on the 2024 Copa America.
Berhalter confronted vital strain to maintain his job after an unimpressive Copa America efficiency. Regardless of beating Bolivia in its opener on dwelling turf, the USA suffered back-to-back losses by the hands of Panama and eventual semi-finalists Uruguay.
Copa America 2024 was the USA’ finest probability to organize as they host the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico. Nonetheless, Berhalter’s aspect seemed tame in assault, overly reliant on its star attacking gamers to shine individually. The group lacked self-discipline all through the event and noticed moments of sloppy protection. Berhalter has been accused of coddling his gamers, and it confirmed all through the match — an unmotivated USA aspect that appeared content material with defeat at occasions.
The US wanted a win over Uruguay to advance to the knockout spherical after its loss to Panama. Nonetheless, regardless of the urgency of the state of affairs and their evident attacking energy, the USA provided little in assault. Though a controversial Mathias Olivera strike made the distinction, the USMNT didn’t create sufficient possibilities to attain.
Berhalter confronted criticism after the exit
Berhalter confronted mass criticism after the USMNT’s exit from Copa America. The nationwide group’s largest supporter teams referred to as for his firing over social media. Followers chanted ‘Fireplace Gregg’ throughout their loss at Arrowhead Stadium.
Days after the loss, US Soccer introduced Berhalter would proceed with the USMNT for the 2026 World Cup.
“After I began this search, my focus was on discovering somebody with the fitting imaginative and prescient to take this program to new heights in 2026,” Crocker stated. “Gregg has that imaginative and prescient. He has the expertise and progress mindset on and off the sector to maneuver this group ahead.”
Statements from US Soccer executives and Berhalter
Nonetheless, Berhalter will not be the group’s head coach. After a ‘complete’ post-Copa America evaluation regarding Berhalter’s ways, Crocker relieved Berhalter of his duties. US Soccer confirmed that they began their seek for a brand new supervisor already.
“We’re deeply grateful to Gregg for his dedication the previous 5 years to the Males’s Nationwide Staff and to U.S. Soccer,” Crocker stated. “Gregg has earned the respect of everybody inside our group and has performed a pivotal function in bringing collectively a younger group and shifting this system ahead.”
Berhalter additionally issued remarks after at this time’s choice. “The Copa America result’s extraordinarily disappointing and I take full duty for our efficiency,” Berhalter stated. “Our strategy and course of was at all times centered on the 2026 World Cup and I stay assured that this group will probably be one of many nice tales in 2026.”
Potential Berhalter USA replacements embrace high-profile managers equivalent to Thierry Henry, Jurgen Klopp, and Mauricio Pochettino. However, it’s unsure when Crocker and US Soccer will announce a brand new head coach. LAFC’s Steve Cherundolo and Columbus Crew supervisor Wilfried Nancy are probably candidates.
The US will return to motion, probably with a brand new coach, on September seventh in a pleasant towards Canada.
Images: Imago
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