The US national team is in the running to sign Premier League phenom Jurgen Klopp.
The team is currently without direction after firing head coach Gregg Berhalter on Wednesday, but US Soccer Federation officials have reportedly met with Klopp. According to The Independent.
The situation is appealing to fans of the U.S. national team, which came off a disastrous defeat at home in the Copa America, but now has the chance to land one of the most prestigious coaches in soccer ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Klopp is statistically Liverpool’s best manager of all time based on win percentage, but he is currently relaxing in his $4.3 million villa on the Spanish island of Mallorca.
The 57-year-old, who won eight trophies during his nine years at Liverpool, claimed he was “running out of energy” when announcing his departure.
But on that note, he also ruled out the possibility of retiring altogether.
“It’s not like I’m going to stop working completely,” Klopp said, “but for now I’m not going to continue working at the same pace as before.”
If Klopp takes on a coaching role at international level, he will likely have less day-to-day responsibility than a club coach.
In an exclusive interview with The Post’s Ryan Glaspiegel, Alexi Lalas pleaded with the USSF to discuss the job with Klopp.
“People like Jurgen Klopp exist,” Lalas said, “and people will laugh at the idea that someone with his background and pedigree would do something like this, but you never know until you speak to him.”
Financially, there may be some obstacles to Klopp’s employment.
Berhalter is His base salary will be $1.4 million, with a potential bonus of $900,000, but Klopp’s salary is sure to be in line with England manager Gareth Southgate’s $5.4 million.
Still, legendary U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper Tim Howard knows how transformational the move will be.
According to the Daily MailHoward has vowed to fly to Spain to try to convince Klopp to take charge of the United States.
Klopp has the potential to take this team to the next level and there is no bigger name on the market right now.
Klopp also hinted at the possibility of becoming the USA national team manager on Instagram a few days ago.
“Perfect day to think about our tour of America with Liverpool…had a great time and the American fans are crazy! Happy Independence Day,” Klopp posted alongside a photo from the pre-season tour.
