The United States is on the lookout for its next head coach after sacking Gregg Berhalter following its shock group stage exit as hosts of the 2024 Copa America this summer.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been strongly linked with the role following his departure from Anfield at the end of last season, yet the German rebuffed any advances after making it clear he wishes to have a year out from football.
Initial contact was made with Klopp regarding the possibility of leading the USMNT and despite declining the role, interest remains from US Soccer in making the 57-year-old their next head coach, according to The Athletic . However, Klopp is not the only candidate to be shortlisted for the job in recent weeks.
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One man linked with the job is former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, who is said to be "in the running" as the USA continue their search ahead of co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to Fabrizio Romano, Henry is a name that has been "discussed internally".
The Frenchman's compatriot and former Arsenal teammate Patrick Vieira has been shortlisted . Vieira is currently out of a job after leaving Ligue 1 side Strasbourg at the end of last season, having been sacked from Crystal Palace in his previous role.
Vieira has, however, formerly managed in the US with New York City FC, taking charge of 90 games between 2016-2018. His current unavailability would provide less bridges to cross for the higher-ups, although the decision ultimately rests with Vieira and whether he wants to test himself in international management.
Other names linked with the ambitious search include Mauricio Pochettino, as well as former England manager Gareth Southgate, who recently left his role with the Three Lions following last week's agonizing Euros final defeat to Spain.
Like all the other rumored candidates bar Henry, who is taking charge of the French Olympics side, the Argentine is currently unemployed. Despite signing a long-term deal with Chelsea 12 months ago, Pochettino mutually agreed to part ways with the Stamford Bridge outfit after just one season.
Pochettino guided Chelsea to a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League last term, yet fell out with the American owners because of his "antiquated" training methods and failure to "buy into their way of working". However, he was praised for how he managed to turn things around during the second-half of the season.
Regardless, Pochettino is well received for his previous work at both Southampton and Tottenham, before winning three trophies with Paris Saint-Germain during an 18-month spell in France. His experience and willingness to bring through young players is also admired.
As for Southgate, an immediate move to another international role may seem far-fetched, although a different challenge with less expectation may appeal to the former Middlesbrough man. Southgate was often criticized for his style of play with the Three Lions, yet was influential in turning the tide of the national team.
During eight years at the helm, he guided England to one semi-final, one quarter-final and two finals across four major international tournaments. He had been previously linked with a move to Manchester United following the takeover of their new ownership, although Erik ten Hag is set to stay on in the Old Trafford dugout.
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