US Soccer are looking for a new manager after the disappointing Copa América showing. The LAFC boss appears to be in the frame.
William GittinsWillGittUpdate: Jul 12th, 2024 13:12 EDT0
Kirby LeeUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo has refused to rule out the possibility of him taking over as the next head coach of the USMNT.
After reports that former Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp has rejected an approach from US Soccer, Cherundolo has emerged as a potential replacement for Gregg Berhalter.
Speaking to reporters after his side’s 3-1 US Open Cup win over New Mexico United, Cherundolo was asked whether he intends to be the LAFC head coach at the end of the 2024 season. His response was far from convincing.
“I am LAFC’s head coach right now and that is my job. It’s what I do every single day. And tomorrow morning training’s at 11:15, an hour later, and I will be there for that.”
This does not sound like someone who hasn’t had meaningful conversations about the job. #USMNT pic.twitter.com/d4RIWrlvqY
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) July 12, 2024
The hunt for a new USMNT head coach continues after the team’s underwhelming group stage elimination from the 2024 Copa América. As hosts, a lot was expected of this United States team – which boasts a number of stars playing for top European teams – but a group stage loss to Panama effectively eliminated Berhalter’s side. The pressure is on to find a candidate that can revamp the team ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
What is Steve Cherundolo’s record in MLS?
The 45-year-old enjoyed a 15-year playing career with Hannover 96 in Germany and represented the US as a player on 87 occasions. After starting his coaching career in Germany he got his first senior role in March 2021 with USL Championship side Las Vegas Lights.
After impressing in the second tier was appointed LAFC head coach the following year and he led the team to the Supporters’ Shield in his first season, breaking the MLS record for most wins in a season for a first-year head coach. In 2022 his LAFC team won the MLS Cup title in dramatic circumstances and they would go on to be beaten finalists a year later.
