Los Angeles, California – Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, has declined an offer from the United States Soccer Federation to lead the US Men’s National Team. Despite initial interest in hiring Klopp following the dismissal of Gregg Berhalter, sources indicate that Klopp expressed a desire for a break from football. However, the USSF continues to consider him as a potential candidate for the role.

Following Berhalter’s removal from the position after the USMNT’s disappointing exit in the Copa America, Klopp left his managerial position at Liverpool after a successful nine-year stint. During his time at Liverpool, Klopp led the team to their first Premier League title in 30 years and their first Champions League victory since 2005.

The approach to Klopp comes as the US prepares for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which it will co-host with Canada and Mexico. The USSF’s sporting director, Matt Crocker, emphasized the need to find a coach who can maximize the team’s potential as they aim to improve upon their previous performances.

Berhalter’s tenure with the USMNT was marked by a mixture of accomplishments and controversies, including leading the team to the knockout stage of the 2022 World Cup. Despite winning two CONCACAF Nations League titles and a Gold Cup, Berhalter faced challenges with key players and a series of lackluster results, leading to his eventual dismissal.

After their early exit from the Copa America, where they defeated Bolivia but suffered losses to Panama and Uruguay, the USMNT has emphasized the need for improvement. Crocker acknowledged that the team’s performance fell short of expectations and stated the importance of doing better in the future.

As the search for a new head coach continues, the USMNT is focused on building a strong foundation for the 2026 World Cup. Klopp’s decision to decline the offer sheds light on the ongoing efforts to find the right leader to guide the team towards success on the international stage.