The last thread, which was well over 300 pages was closed, but in this thread, where we live in a post-Berhalter era, but have yet to announce the new coach, we need to discuss potential coach choices, things we want from the new coach, and expectations / performance measures. That said, we already know that the USSF reached out to Klopp, which at least seems to show that the USSF wants to get this right even if it costs a pretty penny, but unfortunately, Klopp turned us down. Main thing to note is that the coach only has 2 years, and no other major competition outside of CONCACAF, to get ready, for what might be the biggest opportunity for the USMNT to make a global statement at a World Cup…. Playing at home, and with the best player pool we’ve ever had.
I know playing the Brazilian style is attractive, and Juscelino Kubitschek must have been a good manager -- Brasíia is huge now and an impressive feat of engineering and national will -- but his coaching career has been pretty moribund for decades.
Cherundolo Pros: a National Team old boy. Is like a better version of Gregg. He had a much better playing career in Germany. He had better international career. He has been much more successful as a club coach. He plays 433 Cons: experience. questions over in-game management
I see Dolo as no different than GGG. A replacement level coach. He'd do fine and I'd expect results very similar to what we had under GGG. That is NOT what I want to see heading to WC 2026. If there ever is a time to go all in on a coach its now. Perfect setup.
Yeah, I think Cherundolo fits in the Arena, Bradley, Berhalter group of USMNT coaches--MLS success and strong ties to US Soccer. Cherundolo had a better playing career but also a bit less head coaching experience. And those guys were all fine to good in their first cycles. So, I think we could expect about the same from him. I do think, though, that Cherundolo might have upside. If he doesn't get the USMNT job, I could see him getting a shot in Germany (or maybe Austria or Switzerland to start) in another year or two and be on his way up the coaching ladder. And then, like Matarazzo, he probably wouldn't be interested in the USMNT job. So, if they go with him, they might be gambling on that potential upside a bit and figure at worst he'll be Berhalter-level but will shake things up and give the team a different dynamic.
This whole "We need to make a global statement" stuff is ridiculous. It's only a "statement" if other countries fans care. They don't. Do we really care about "statements" other countries team's make? Nope. So why the hell do we think other country's fans will give a crap about what our team does or does not do? They don't Can someone please point me to the "Venezuela statement" thread that's proliferated with American posters please?
There are some important contrasts I think. Mainly in temperament. I like some of the things Chiellini has said about Cherundolo and his player management skills. Speaking of whom, it would be great if Chiellini were hired as an assistant. He has announced he is going back to Italy. I wonder how firm that commitment is.
I don’t get it either. Like the world is awaiting the arrival of the sleeping giant, oh when will it happen? They don’t care nor should they.
One coach with American ties that would be interesting is Fabian Hurzeler. He brought St. Pauli up to the Bundesliga, he's only 31, single, speaks english and is highly regarded. Dual German/American citizen. However, he's the new coach for Brighton and I imagine wont be considered nor is he interested. But he's definitely one I'll watch his career.
Pellegrino Matarazzo(preferred formation(s): 352) Pros: a born-and-raised American who worked his way up from the very bottom of the German football pyramid to become a highly successful coach. He is the most successful homegrown American coach. Hoffenheim finished 7th to quality for Europa League. Has that pure Euro-sounding name without actually being European. Cons: is only 46. At this point in his life, would he even be seriously interested in leaving everything for a 2-year commitment? I suppose everyone has a price.
Steve's coaching pedigree is European not American, which distinguishes him pretty sharply from the others you list. His playing career was entirely in Europe, when he was done playing he got his licenses to coach in Europe, and he did his first coaching in Europe. He only came to MLS after that. He'd be the least "American Soccer" American coach we've ever had, though his last couple of years in MLS should serve him in good stead in understanding the US-based players situation, which a purely overseas-based coach won't have. Also, Steve's attitude about players, comfort level, and competition is exactly what many on here have been clamoring for. One thing he said years ago that has stuck with me - and keep in mind he was talking about the club where he was a legend, dubbed "the mayer", named captain, and turned down a premier league move to stay with: "To me, there's a general understanding -- and that's just the way the leagues work here -- and that is for the sporting director or the manager, it's his job to replace you as soon as you sign a contract." (old interview, but still a fun read)
And has been more successful. It's funny to go back and look at Gregg's resume pre-USMNT. It simply wasn't good and it makes even more sense why everyone thinks it's due to his brother.
Skipping the obvious Zidane, Low, etc, here's a curveball I wouldn't made seeing Sergio Conceicao Dominated for years with Porto, has that Berhalter style possession that Crocker seems to like analytically. But has stated he doesn't care about the total percentage it's about what you do with it. He's won just about everything in Portugal, guided some short term projects and has a history of arguments with the club brass, so maybe a little Special One in him. Free agent, wants to get into a big 5 job where he can win the CL. 2 year audition and a WC would do that. I think for me, if I miss out on the big boys before calling Dolo and Curtain and the likes this is the man for the job this cycle.
This is not a Pro IMO. I don't want to bring in any coach that has a formation that they are married to. At the club level it makes sense as you can bring in people during a couple of transfer windows to push your favored formation... but at the NT level you should be taking the best combo of players possible and maximize the sum of their parts through any number of formations... said formations should be designed to expose the weaknesses of the opponents.
Interesting article on the coaching search: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5632599/2024/07/12/usmnt-head-coach-berhalter-klopp/