Jurgen Klopp has “rebuffed” an approach from U.S. Soccer to become the men’s national team head coach, according to a report by David Ornstein of The Athletic on Thursday.
The federation made “initial contact” with Klopp regarding the possibility of replacing Gregg Berhalter as head coach, as reported by Miguel Delaney of The Independent. However, The Athletic’s latest report indicates that hopes to bring the German to the United States have diminished.
In response to U.S. Soccer’s approach, Klopp “reiterated that he would like a break from football.” Despite this, the federation reportedly remains interested in pursuing the 57-year-old coach.
Klopp formally stepped down from his position at Liverpool in May at the end of the 2023-24 Premier League season, citing that he was “running out of energy.” In his farewell video to the club, Klopp stated that he intends to take at least a one-year hiatus from coaching.
With Klopp seemingly out of the running, U.S. Soccer will need to explore other options for the head coach position following Berhalter’s recent dismissal. The U.S. men’s national team exited this summer’s Copa America in the group stage and is now preparing for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“Our immediate focus is on finding a coach who can maximize our potential as we continue to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, and we have already begun our search process,” U.S. Soccer’s sporting director Matt Crocker said.
