Tim Howard Says US Soccer Should Pursue Jurgen Klopp, With His Help

The search is on for the next head coach of the US Men’s National Team, and head coach Gregg Berhlater hasn’t even lost his job yet.

Berhalter, who presided over the USMNT’s latest disaster; failing to get out of the group stage at the Copa America, is almost certainly on the hot seat, however. A statement from the head of US Soccer, the organization that oversees both the men’s and women’s teams, heavily implied that changes would have to be made following the inexcusable performances against Panama and Uruguay.

READ: US Soccer Issues Statement On USMNT Future After Disastrous Copa America

And one of the best USMNT players in the country’s history has an idea of who should replace him. And how to get it done.

Tim Howard, former star goalkeeper for several major club teams and the USMNT, recently wrote a column for the Daily Mail where he said, flat out, he could convince former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to take the job.

“If I was in charge of US Soccer, I would fly to Spain and pay Jurgen Klopp a visit,” Howard posted on X. “I believe I could convince him to take the USMNT job. Gregg Berhalter will get the blame for this Copa America but much of the fault lies with the players.”

SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE – AUGUST 02: Manager Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool looks on prior to the pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich at the National Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Singapore. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)

Can Anyone Convince Jurgen Klopp To Take The USMNT Job?

Klopp would be a slam dunk hire, were the USMNT job to officially come open. His track record far exceeds any of the previous coaches hired by US Soccer, and would signal to supporters that the organization intends to distance itself from the MLS-heavy approach that’s previously dominated. 

He’s a Champions League winning coach, a Premier League winning coach and someone who commands an immense amount of respect on the international stage. There’s no indication that he’d be interested in the job, or even in international team coaching, but if there’s even the slightest possibility of convincing him, US Soccer should spend whatever it takes…and send whoever it takes.

Howard’s right; much of the blame for the Copa America should fall on the players. But this is without question the most talented player pool that the US Men’s program has ever had. While most of the roster hasn’t developed to its full potential, the talent is clearly there to have more success than failing to advance from a group with Panama and Bolivia in it.

Berhalter has yet to demonstrate he can get the most from the players on the roster, or put up a better than expected performance against a top team. Klopp, by contrast, is an accomplished leader with an impeccable coaching history. Send Tim Howard, send Landon Donovan. Do whatever it takes.