The matter of who will be the next USMNT head coach is still up in the air. Had Gregg Berhalter remained in the US Camp, he would have led the men’s team into the US-hosted 2026 World Cup. But Berhalter and co.’s abysmal display at the Copa America forced USSF to show him the door. Former Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp has been the USMNT’s priority #1 for the job. But in an initial disappointment for Matt Crocker and other USSF executives, Klopp rebuffed their first offer recently, despite previously showing interest in the same.

However, the US team has not given up on their efforts to poach the German tactician. They will reportedly try again to secure Klopp’s prized signature. So why did the Champions League-winning coach turn down the USSF’s first offer so quickly? Here we go.

Here’s why Jurgen Klopp snubbed the USMNT coaching job

Jurgen Klopp has had an unmatched stint as Liverpool’s coach, etching tales of redemption by winning major silverware such as the Premier League title and the Champions League title. Yet, the German boss shockingly called his Reds stint quits, preferring a sabbatical from the strenuous coaching job. He even said he was burnt out after leading the club from the front for so many years. Seems like Klopp doesn’t want his self-imposed break to end anytime soon.   

Per The Athletic, Jurgen Klopp informed the USSF entourage that he would like to continue his break from soccer for now. Even after this initial rejection, the US Soccer officials remain keen on luring the 57-year-old. Moreover, in a recent interesting turn, Jurgen Klopp returned to Liverpool as the first honorary ambassador of the LFC Foundation- the club’s official charity wing. Meanwhile, other top shots such as Thierry Henry, Marcelo Bielsa, and Jesse Marsch among others are also linked to the USMNT coaching role.

Anyhow, since Klopp is the most preferred among these candidates, the US can resort to hiring an interim manager and later call up the former when he is available.

The USMNT can depend on an interim coach for the time being

As far as the USMNT is concerned, the 2026 World Cup is the next big chapter to look up to. Since the Copa America ended forgetfully, the American side has no grand fixtures for the year. They have three friendlies in their 2024 schedule so far. The US plays Canada and New Zealand in September and Panama in October. Those games can be overseen by an interim boss until a heavyweight coach steps in. 

If Jurgen Klopp were to return in 2025, the USSF would go the extra mile to fund him and prepare the USMNT for project 2026 World Cup. But Klopp’s availability remains ambiguous. Besides the USMNT, he is also interested in taking charge of the German national team, which is also in dire straits. Moreover, if the 57-year-old were to announce he would return to club football, dime a dozen clubs would still fight to secure his esteemed signature. Until then, Klopp is a primary USMNT target.