Hiring a new coach for USMNT has been daunting for the USSF. US Soccer has reached a point where they may have to go with the narrow options they are left with. Few of the best-performing MLS coaches are already on the list, and the federation is also trying to go for reputed managers from Europe. However, while big names like Jurgen Klopp and Luis de la Fuente kept coming into the conversation, a former MLS and Premier League star suggested a more grounded approach. Looks like Gregg Berhalter’s hard to replace!

Speaking on ESPN FC, former Dallas goalkeeper Shaka Hislop calls the talks of big names for the post of the USMNT manager ineffective and unrealistic. Shaka was asked if soccer’s aim to acquire coaches Luis de la Fuente and Jurgen Klopp was okay. He replied, “Why not? Just go for Klopp, de la Fuenta co-managers with Ancelotti as the assistant,” with sarcasm. 

Talking about the buzz, he stated, “They mean nothing if you can’t deliver on it. We could just throw names at a wall if we want and that’s not going to impress me either.” It looks like USMNT may need to take shorter steps, especially after Jurgen Klopp rejected the offer due to his 1-year sabbatical.

On the other hand, Hislop added that de la Fuente’s move also had very little chance despite interest from the manager’s camp. Earlier reports suggested the 2024 Euro-winning manager’s crew contacted US Soccer for his potential move to the US. But, the former Newcastle United goalkeeper stated the Spain manager was on a backup plan in case he was sacked if he failed in Euros.

Citing that the contact was before the Euro triumph, Hislop felt that USMNT would have been the best alternative since going to a big club wouldn’t have been on the cards for the 63-year-old. However, USMNT still has several decent options open to lead them in the 2026 World Cup.

Is US Soccer changing its approach to hiring the next USMNT coach?

US Soccer faced a tough time recently, being called out for delay in Gregg Berhalter’s sacking and the team’s performances. Moreover, their previous target, Jesse Marsch, rejected the offer by emphasizing the organizational changes the federation needs. However, US Soccer’s Sporting Director seems to have gotten a bit liberal in hiring the new manager.

He earlier stated, “I just want to get the best coach possible that can help the team win. Whether they’re from the U.S. or elsewhere, they’ve got to fit the profile, which is a serial winning coach,” which may not have been the case before.

Last time, US Soccer had stiff rules in hiring a coach. Reportedly, the candidates had to undergo psychometric and aptitude tests to be considered further. But now it appears to have come down to their track record and a habit of winning. Former Zambia and Ivory Coast coach Herve Renard and MLS coaches Wilfried Nancy and Steve Cherundolo are in the race.

But the Stars and Stripes will be fortunate if they strike a deal with Hervé Renard who has won two AFCONs in the past. What is your take? Let us know in the comments.