Gregg Berhalter is ready to begin a new phase now after going through a rather turbulent couple of months. He was the head man of the USA men’s national soccer team before he was relieved after the Copa America. Now that Mauricio Pochettino has taken the job vacated by the USMNT, Berhalter has backed the new coach, offering to help during the transition and build the side’s setup for the future. And Berhalter has been appointed head coach of the Chicago Fire Soccer Club in MLS.

Though not an easy task, Berhalter pointed out that out of it, he gained new incentives. He took time to assess his performances with the USMNT players and was predisposed to learn from the setback. And wanted to start fresh with Chicago.

In taking that dual role, Berhalter has the opportunity to reshape the Fire’s roster and culture, which he knows very well. He knows it won’t be easy. The Fire have missed the playoffs for seven years in a row. But he is excited about what can happen now. He hopes to make the Fire a regular top team in the MLS.

As Berhalter steps into a new position, he freely offers any assistance he can to the old team and to new coach Mauricio Pochettino. He became USMNT after Berhalter left and was praised by his predecessor.

Berhalter fully supports Mauricio Pochettino

Berhalter gives Mauricio Pochettino his fullest confidence and support. “I can assure you that there will be a relationship and we will be able to count on each other, both of us supplying him players and hopefully getting feedback from him also.” Berhalter was sad to see his own time with the national team come to an end. However, its future was very important to him. He fully intends to assist the team in their rise to the top. 

Berhalter and Pochettino can discuss many things. This includes ideas, strategy, physical coaching, mental coaching, and whatever else is needed. This helps create well-developed players for their clubs and countries. Both parties benefit from this.

Of course, it’s not too unusual for national team coaches to get close with their club counterparts, especially when the players are involved. For Berhalter, establishing a relationship with Mauricio Pochettino would bring joy to both. The sort of coach that Berhalter expects will help U.S. soccer reach new heights can develop young talent and build cohesive teams.

The future will show how Berhalter changes the city of Chicago. And he will always be strongly affiliated with USMNT. What may prove more interesting is the growth in mind, which makes for an interesting page in his coaching career.