The US national team are said to have made “initial contact” with former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp following the decision to sack Gregg Berhalter.

A disappointing performance at the 2024 Copa America, which saw the team eliminated in the group stage for the first time, has forced the US team to make changes. They are ready to open a new chapter in their coaching career after the end of Berhalter’s second term.

Several candidates have been linked with the vacant position, with Klopp reportedly being targeted before Berhalter was sacked. The German coach had only just begun his sabbatical a few weeks after leaving Premier League giants Liverpool due to “running out of steam”.

Klopp has been linked with the US national team (Photo: Getty).

According to The Independent, the US national team has contacted Klopp about returning to international management, which would give him more free time than his club career. Klopp could be offered the chance to lead the US team towards the 2026 World Cup, which they will co-host.

U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone said in a statement shortly after Berhalter’s departure: “I want to thank Gregg for his hard work and dedication to U.S. Soccer and the men’s national team. We are now focused on working with athletic director Matt Crocker and leveraging his experience at the highest levels of the game to ensure we have the right person to lead the U.S. national team into a new era of success on the field.

It remains to be seen whether Klopp is the “right man” for the job, with the 50-year-old currently enjoying a break to spend more time with family and friends. Further discussions are likely to take place, while the US national team also has other options to consider.