Former Liverpool manager linked to US take over

US national team manager Gregg Berhalter has been sacked following the side's group stage dismissal in the Copa America.

The US became the first host nation in history to be eliminated in the group phase of the tournament after a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has emerged as a leading contender to take over the top job, despite leaving England on a sabbatical.

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Berhalter's men only secured one victory, coming in the first match of the tournament against a lowly Bolivia.

The 50-year-old took the USA to the last 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and won the CONCACAF Nations League Gold Cup in 2021.

His second term as coach was prematurely ended after 14 games, due to his failure "to change soccer in America forever.".

The US national team confirmed Berhalter's exit on Thursday.

Gregg Berhalter, Head Coach of United States looks on prior to the CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024 Group C match between Panama and United States at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

"We are deeply grateful to Gregg for his commitment the past five years to the men's national team and to US soccer," United States Soccer Federation sporting director Matt Crocker wrote.

"Gregg has earned the respect of everyone within our organisation and has played a pivotal role in bringing together a young team and moving the program forward.

"Our immediate focus is on finding a coach who can maximise (sic) our potential as we continue to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, and we have already begun our search process."

Klopp was linked to the team prior to Berhalter's exit, alongside former French star Thierry Henry and current Uruguay national team coach Marcelo Bielsa.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard urged the team to plea with Klopp to take over the reins ahead of the World Cup. 

"I believe I could make a very compelling argument to Jurgen Klopp to take over the US men's national team," he told News Corp.

Jurgen Klopp Liverpool farewell.

"I know Klopp has only been retired a few weeks and I know he wants a break. But if we sat around his villa in Spain, I think I could lure him over here, 100 per cent.

"The money is certainly there. My pitch would be simple: he has a young group of players who can play progressive, front-foot soccer – exactly like his Liverpool teams.

"In two years' time he can go to the biggest World Cup in history.

"Plus, it's international soccer, so there's no need to be on the training ground every day. He doesn't even have to worry about qualification."

Klopp is yet to comment on the rumoured connection. 

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