Getty Image / Stephen Nadler
It’s been a topsy-turvy search for the next coach of the US Men’s National Team, following controversy that saw Gregg Berhlater removed from his post earlier this year. But, after what was an alleged exhaustive search, Berhlater will be back as the manager of the USMNT.
The news broke just prior to the start of a resounding 3-0 win by the USMNT over Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League Semifinals.
BREAKING: Gregg Berhalter is set to return as manager of the #USMNT, according to multiple sources briefed on the negotiations.
Deal still being finalized, but return is imminent.
Reporting with @MLSist: https://t.co/TnDBwhFB5a
— Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) June 16, 2023
Here are some more details, courtesy of the article above.
Gregg Berhalter is set to return as coach of the U.S. men’s national team.
The coach who led the U.S. through the last cycle and to the round of 16 in November’s FIFA World Cup is in negotiations to return as manager, multiple sources involved in or briefed on negotiations told The Athletic. Those sources were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the talks. The deal is still being finalized, but Berhalter’s return is imminent.
An announcement of the hire is expected to come on Tuesday, but Berhalter is not expected to coach the U.S. in the Nations League final against Canada on Sunday. It is not known whether he would take over the USMNT officially before the start of the CONCACAF Gold Cup on June 24.
As the U.S. coach from 2019-22, Berhalter won the 2021 Nations League and Gold Cup trophies, qualified for the 2022 World Cup with the youngest team in the world and then got out of the group at the World Cup with strong performances against Wales, Iran and England. The Americans’ five points were tied with the 2010 team for most in a group stage by any USMNT at a World Cup.
Berhalter, 49, currently has the highest win percentage of any USMNT coach with a 37-11-12 record.
A lot of USMNT fans are not pleased, however. They think that, given the talent level of the team with a home World Cup on the horizon in 2026 that they could have done much better.
Gregg Berhalter returning to the US National Team is everything that’s wrong with the US National Team
— Zealand (@theoldzealand) June 16, 2023
How do you interview Jesse Marsch, Thierry Henry and Patrick Viera then turn around and rehire Gregg Berhalter?
US Soccer is not a serious Federation #USMNT
— USMNTKID🇺🇸 (@baystatekid2003) June 16, 2023
Be the USMNT:
– Get rid of Gregg Berhalter
– Hire an outside search firm to find a new head coach
– Have no head coach for 6 months
– Rehire the coach you got rid of (??) https://t.co/PCXpJb6uEk
— Blake Allen (@Blake_Allen13) June 16, 2023
friendly reminder that Gregg Berhalter was misleading about the severity of which he abused his wife in his statement in order to save face
say whatever you want about 30 years ago, but he lied about this in JANURARY
people will say I'm running agendas. idgaf. this guy is a BUM pic.twitter.com/f69FVfJ8x2
— Balogun Propaganda 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@FootyMoments21) June 16, 2023
U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker is an idiot if he's bringing Gregg Berhalter back. He's starting to collect those MLS bags already.
B.J. Callaghan rolled out a better lineup and coached a better game than Gregg Berhalther ever dream of.#BerhalterOut
— Stonk King 🌕 (@StonkKing4) June 16, 2023
Yeah, safe to say most fans are not pleased about the return of Gregg Berhalter.