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Who should USMNT hire to replace Berhalter? Analysing Klopp, Pochettino, Vieira and others

Published

2 years ago

July 13, 2024

Who should USMNT hire to replace Berhalter? Analysing Klopp, Pochettino, Vieira and others

U.S Soccer has taken the decision to part ways with Gregg Berhalter after the United States men’s national team’s disappointing showing at the Copa America on home soil.

The team finished third in their group, with Uruguay and Panama advancing to the knockout stage. With only two years to go until the U.S. co-hosts the World Cup, they have decided to make a change.

GO DEEPER

USMNT had questions before its Copa America exit. Now those get even louder

There are plenty of high-profile foreign managers on the market — not least Jurgen Klopp after he left Liverpool this summer — as the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) looks to appoint Berhalter’s successor.

“I think now we’re in a better place to have much more of a targeted search where I’ll be more inclined to go hard and go early with specific candidates that I feel meet the criteria that we’re looking for,” said U.S. Soccer’s sporting director Matt Crocker.

Asked if speaking English was still a criteria for the position, Crocker said: “I think effective communication is critical when you need to get a message across to the players. That hasn’t changed. And we’ll be considering a really wide pool of candidates. I’m already on that straightaway. Our intention is to continue with that process.”

Here are some of the possible candidates to replace Berhalter, and the style of football they might bring to the USMNT set-up. Who would you like to see take over?

Jurgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp favours a high defensive line and a high press designed to win the ball back at the earliest opportunity when possession is lost — as shown by The Athletic’s playstyle wheel below, which outlines how a team look to play compared with Europe’s top seven domestic leagues.

It’s high risk, high reward — always playing on the front foot, always trying to seize the initiative. Caution is not a word in the 57-year-old’s vocabulary. Looking at their “Patient attack” metric below (23 out of 99), it’s clear Klopp likes his side to go for the throat and punish the opposition as soon as possible.

Klopp would be a breath of fresh air tactically and man-management wise, he’s already proven he can get the best out of talent across the board — fostering a sense of unity and togetherness.

The USMNT’s roster could appeal to him too. Take, for example, the blistering attack which won so many plaudits at Anfield. Klopp’s Liverpool were at their best with a high-energy, hard-running front three, and attackers such as Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi could, in theory at least, be appealing to the German.

With all those players, and indeed most of the USMNT’s main men, playing in Europe, Klopp would also be familiar with their leagues and the tactical systems they operate under at clubs.

Gareth Southgate

Gareth Southgate has overseen a transformation of England’s reputation since he took the role as national team manager in 2016.

While fans might have grown frustrated by Southgate’s lack of tactical invention with such a talented squad of players, the 53-year-old has shown a ruthlessness to his character in recent months — most notably leaving the experienced Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford from his long list of 33 players for the European Championship.

(Carl Recine/Getty Images)

While Southgate has favoured a back four system in recent years, he has shown flexibility in adapting to a back three — often as a counter-measure to the opposition setup, as shown in England’s matches against Switzerland and Netherlands as they reached the Euro 2024 final.

International football is tactically and qualitatively different from club football, meaning the remit is less about the day-to-day coaching and more about the long-term vision of the national team. Southgate may have been criticised for his tactical acumen at times, but his near-ambassadorial presence is a valuable asset that should not be underestimated at international level.

Neither should his willingness to take qualified risks with gifted but inexperienced players. Kobbie Mainoo, 19, and Adam Wharton, 20, were included in his current squad on the adage that they were good enough and so old enough, and Americans such as the 20-year-old Chelsea goalkeeper Gaga Slonina might feel their prospects of a World Cup spot increase. So too may 14-year-old Manchester City-bound prodigy Cavan Sullivan, who will be the same age as Spain’s Lamine Yamal is now when the 2026 tournament begins.

Mauricio Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino’s preferred style is grounded in high intensity and pressing, and Chelsea’s numbers for last season point to a side that did not step off when out of possession (intensity: 89 out of 99).

Issues in both penalty boxes were a key narrative of Chelsea’s season under Pochettino. Their underlying chance creation (83 out of 99) was strong, but it seemed to come at the expense of a dreadfully poor defensive record (chance prevention: 32 out of 99). Chelsea’s 1.4 non-penalty expected goals conceded per 90 minutes invariably gave them a mountain to climb in each match, and Pochettino struggled to find that balance for a lot of the season.

As unglamorous as it may sound, international football is grounded in having strong defensive foundations first and Pochettino did not showcase that in his most recent time in the dugout.

Such shortcomings would naturally put more focus on the individual quality of the back line and goalkeeper; areas where the current U.S. roster has its problems. Goalkeeper Matt Turner barely played for Nottingham Forest last season and his kicking and distribution were at times questionable at the Copa America. Behind him, Ethan Horvath is a step down in quality again and conceded a poor goal when forced into action after Turner’s injury against Panama.

Then there is a shortage of obvious candidates to replace ageing centre-back Tim Ream and doubts over the strength in depth behind him and Chris Richards. At Chelsea, Pochettino arguably had better defenders and they still struggled.

Thomas Tuchel

Despite a disappointing season relative to Bayern Munich’s standards, the underlying numbers from Tuchel’s side show how dominant they have still been in both boxes. Competing with a history-making, invincible Bayer Leverkusen side was not part of the plan, but Bayern’s 1.6 xG difference per 90 — which accounts for the quality of chances created and conceded — was the best of any side across Europe’s top five leagues.

Tuchel’s tactical acumen is undeniable, but question marks over his temperament might be a factor that works against him. Across his three most recent roles at Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, he averaged a tenure of one year, nine months and 15 days. International football is different, of course, but if the USMNT is looking for a long-term vision, Tuchel might not be the best man. He is, however, available after leaving Bayern and meeting Manchester United earlier this summer.

Tuchel celebrates winning the Champions League with Chelsea in May 2021 (Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

There may also be the thorny issue of what Pulisic would make of a Tuchel appointment. The pair worked together at Stamford Bridge and it became clear it was, at times, a strained relationship, with the U.S. captain admitting he was “dumbfounded” at being dropped for a Champions League semi-final in 2021.

Thomas Frank

Thomas Frank, 50, would bring a clear tactical philosophy. His 5-3-2 formation is combative, disciplined, and a nightmare to play against. In the past three seasons, only Brighton have taken more than Brentford’s 35 points against the ‘Big Six’ in the Premier League, with the west London side securing two wins over Manchester City, three over Chelsea, and a 4-0 thrashing of Manchester United.

Equally, his ability to shift his side to a 4-3-3 across the season shows a tactical versatility that would be highly suited to international football, where maximising the strengths of the players at your disposal is paramount.

The fact that Frank has overseen Brentford’s rise into the Premier League for the first time and has now kept them there for three consecutive seasons speaks to the transformative job he has performed. He is an experienced coach and a good motivator boasting long-term success.

He has also spoken of being open to possibilities and this would represent an exciting new one for the personable Dane. His likability and ability to build morale could be welcomed by the U.S. players — especially those, like Gio Reyna, who have at times clashed with Berhalter.

(Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Ralf Rangnick

As the Godfather of gegenpressing, you know what you are going to get with a Ralf Rangnick team. His high-energy, relentless approach has inspired so many coaches who have worked with him, and when asked to describe his playing philosophy during a recent interview for The Coaches’ Voice, the German said, “It’s a high-pressing, counter-pressing football. I would say fast, proactive, attacking, counter-attacking, counter-pressing and exciting.”

Anyone doubting Rangnick’s ability to instil such methods at international level need only to look at Austria’s out-of-possession approach during Euro 2024 this summer. Their 10.1 passes allowed per defensive action (PPDA) — a metric where a lower number denotes a more active pressing approach — shows them to be the most intense pressers of any side in the tournament.

In possession, Rangnick is a believer in possession with a purpose. Where possible, look to pass it forward, and limit those square or backward passes that slow the game down. Fans of New York Red Bulls under Jesse Marsch will be highly familiar with this style, with Marsch a staunch advocate of Rangnick’s gung-ho method of attack.

The U.S. have individuals, such as Pulisic and, at his best, Reyna, who can make things happen while also being athletic enough to press hard in the Rangnick style.

The 66-year-old has experience in international management, having been in charge of Austria for two years.

Patrick Vieira

While Patrick Vieira’s RC Strasbourg finished 13th in Ligue 1 last season, the 48-year-old recently shared his lofty targets for the future.

Vieira was unveiled at Strasbourg in July 2023 (Frederick Florin/AFP via Getty Images)

“The ambition is to play European football in the next three years,” Vieira said on the Stick to Football podcast. “Of course, coming from this year, there is a big turn of young players, and this year was challenging and difficult — we struggled and went through some difficult periods.”

Vieira favours a considered, possession-dominant style of football, but he has rarely had the players to implement it. At Crystal Palace, he had to compromise those plans for an attritional, counter-attacking approach which saw Vieira sacked after a 12-game winless run.

Strasbourg’s playing style looks similarly confused, as Vieira encourages his team to circulate the ball when they have it (82 out of 99) — even if those opportunities are rare (Possession, 17 out of 99) — but his side often lacked the bite at the top end of the field (Chance creation, 41 out of 99).

Vieira’s experience coaching NYCFC in MLS would be a useful headstart to acclimatise to U.S. soccer, but his recent roles have shown that he is still a developing manager compared with the other candidates on the list.

It is in his old position, central midfield, where the current roster is stocked with talent. Younger prospects such as Real Betis’ Johnny Cardoso and Malik Tillman could learn from one of the best-ever in that role. At the same time, the more experienced trio of Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tim Weah would have a manager who knows exactly what it is like to play in two of Italy’s biggest clubs, AC Milan and Juventus. The USMNT has tried great players as coach before (see Jurgen Klinsmann) to differing effect but Vieira’s CV is among the best.

A World Cup winner in charge for the next World Cup would have to be a potential plus.

(Top photos: Getty Images)

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AJ Brown trade outcome: Dianna Russini paid a heavy price while Mike Vrabel emerged unscathed

Published

6 hours ago

June 3, 2026

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AJ Brown trade outcome: Dianna Russini paid a heavy price while Mike Vrabel emerged unscathed

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Mike Vrabel and A.J. Brown were winning on Tuesday because the long-rumored trade that reunited them was finally complete. Brown was free of his recent unhappiness with the Philadelphia Eagles, while Vrabel spoke easily and smartly about how his Super Bowl team was getting better.

It was one lovely victory lap for everybody.

Except for Dianna Russini.

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel celebrates after the AFC championship game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High in Denver, Colo., on Jan. 25, 2026. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

MIKE VRABEL BREAKS HIS SILENCE ON DIANNA RUSSINI CONTROVERSY

Yes, this is about her as much as Vrabel and Brown. Those three names will be linked for a long time in NFL circles based on what happened going back as far as September of 2025, and then definitely through this offseason that was about, well, the relationship between the coach and the reporter.

If you aren’t up to speed on that relationship, you’ve got homework. And you will probably catch up easily because the reference material is everywhere — the photos of Russini and Vrabel together, the denials of anything untoward between two married people, the collapse of the professional friendship narrative, and everything after.

So, to the uninitiated, you’re excused. Go now and read the soap opera’s opening chapters. Because this might be the saga’s end, barring a major surprise.

And let me cut to that end:

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown walks on the field during an NFL training camp in Philadelphia on July 29, 2025. (Matt Rourke/AP Photo)

Brown wins. He’s wholly unscathed, in fact, and happy as a clam with a new team he grew up adoring.

Vrabel wins, too. Yes, he took some lumps, suffered some humiliating moments in front of reporters and had some family conversations he termed “very difficult,” but he’s ultimately none the worse for wear.

And then there’s Russini. She lost. Big time.

FORMER NFL REPORTER MICHELE TAFOYA WEIGHS IN ON WHY RUSSINI’S CREDIBILITY IS GONE

It was saddening to watch Vrabel’s presser because it was Russini who first reported teams were calling the Eagles about Brown back in September of 2025. She first reported the Eagles weren’t interested in trading Brown.

Russini called it when she told everyone the Patriots were interested (so were the Los Angeles Rams, by the way). And she was right again when she said earlier this year that Brown wouldn’t be traded around the start of the league year in March but watch out for June.

She was dead-on accurate with practically all of it.

Dianna Russini, left, and Mike Vrabel, right, are shown in a split composite image featuring Russini with an ESPN microphone and Vrabel on the Titans sideline wearing a headset. (Imagn Images)

But everyone has surmised all that information came out of her relationship with Vrabel. All that insider work came from other alleged inside work.

Russini’s information was great but how she seemingly attained it eventually led to her resigning from The Athletic. And sullying her professional reputation.

Losses.

MIKE VRABEL STEPS AWAY INDEFINITELY TO SEEK COUNSELING

Vrabel? He seemed just fine on Tuesday.

About the hardest thing he had to do was answer a question about Brown’s obvious displeasure last year in Philly.

“I don’t know what happened,” Vrabel said. “I’m not trying to figure out what happened in Philadelphia. I’m trying to focus on what’s going to happen here and trying to get him acclimated to what we do and how we do it.”

Vrabel, during this press conference, congratulated a reporter for winning a marathon. He thanked Executive Vice President for Player Personnel Eliot Wolf for making the trade happen. And he took a bunch of football questions.

Dianna Russini attends the 2026 Fanatics Super Bowl Party at Pier 48 in San Francisco, California, on Feb. 7, 2026. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

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There was not one question about whether he indeed for months leaked to Russini details of where the Patriots and Eagles talks were. Not one question about how his family “counseling” sessions are going or if his marriage is certain to survive.

There was nothing uncomfortable because it seems the local media lost interest or its curiosity on a day the story that Russini beat them on for months was laid bare before them.

And, the thing is, if Vrabel didn’t have to sweat this occasion, he’s probably in the clear. He’s not likely to get tough questions about the whole affair (pardon the pun) again unless more facts come out that raise the issue from the grave.

So, yeah, Mike Vrabel has survived. He’s won.

FOLLOW ARMANDO SALGUERO ON X: @ARMANDOSALGUERO

Armando Salguero is OutKick’s Senior NFL Writer.

Sports

Nelly Korda, Michelle Wie West and more: Who to watch at U.S. Women’s Open

Published

6 hours ago

June 3, 2026

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Nelly Korda, Michelle Wie West and more: Who to watch at U.S. Women’s Open

Reaching the summit is a dream. But staying there? That’s an altogether different challenge.

Maja Stark has a special appreciation for that now, a year after winning the U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills and feeling the hefty weight of expectation that came along with it.

For her, the aftermath of that victory brought heightened anxiety, and searing criticism from outsiders when the Swedish professional’s play took a dip.

“You get comments and stuff saying, ‘What happened? You just won a major; why do you suck all of a sudden?‘” Stark said at the Chevron Championship in April. “That does take some energy and just makes you focus on the wrong things. Then I got even more stressed and anxious.”

Maja Stark plays a shot from a bunker on the 17th hole during the third round of the Chevron Championship on April 25.

(Alex Slitz / Getty Images)

Stark said she sought professional help in the form of a mental coach, sports psychologist and therapist and now believes she’s better able to withstand the scrutiny that comes with winning at the highest tier.

That career-shaping pressure will be on display again this week when the USGA brings the U.S. Women’s Open to Riviera Country Club for the first time, merging the game’s most prestigious women’s championship with a historic venue celebrating its centennial year. The tournament takes place Thursday through Sunday.

Riviera is a theater, sitting low beneath high hillsides that almost serve as balconies. Players have described the course as a stage because it can feel as if you’re being watched even when you’re alone.

“I think there’s something very nostalgic about the facility,” said Jim Richerson, Riviera’s general manager. “The golf course has never had any major renovations or changes. The clubhouse is the exact same footprint today as it was when it was built in the 1920s.”

The U.S. Women’s Open is the oldest of the LPGA Tour’s five majors, and has long served as the standard by which women’s golf measures itself. It’s open to professionals and elite amateurs through a qualifying process, and the tournament is known for identifying the player who can withstand the most pressure under the most demanding conditions.

NBC will televise the championship and although Mike Tirico will not call the event, he knows the significance of holding it at Riviera.

“Without there being a Masters for women’s golf, that tournament really is the crown jewel of the sport,” Tirico said. “It has become the event people dream of winning. … It’s just appropriate that it’s contested at a place like Riviera that for so many generations has come to define a great championship test of golf.”

A look at some of the players to watch:

Nelly Korda

The world’s No. 1 player is a major needle mover for women’s golf and is a significant source of ratings when she’s in contention. She had a record five consecutive victories last season and seven overall. Her missing major is the U.S. Women’s Open. She finished in a runner-up spot last year and left Erin Hills firmly believing a win was within reach.

Jeeno Thitikul

The former World No. 1 is still in pursuit of her first major championship. She’s a big question mark in the field.

Lydia Ko

This Hall of Fame player is the only golfer in modern Olympic history to win a complete set of medals — gold, silver and bronze — across three different Olympic Games. She’s still looking for her first U.S. Women’s Open win.

Charley Hull

A colorful character who went viral during the 2024 Open for smoking a cigarette while signing autographs and playing. She was among a cluster who finished second in that tournament. She has three victories on the LPGA Tour but has yet to win a major.

Rose Zhang

Zhang, who has been splitting time between Stanford and the LPGA, amassed a remarkable collection of victories as an amateur and three years ago, became the first player in 72 years to win an LPGA Tour event in her professional debut.

Minjee Lee

Lee, an Australian star, has won three majors including the U.S. Women’s Open in 2022. Her younger brother, Min Woo, won the 2016 U.S. Junior Amateur, making them the first brother-sister tandem to win the USGA’s junior championships.

Yuka Saso

She is the anomaly of anomalies, with zero wins on the LPGA Tour with the exception of two U.S. Women’s Open victories. She won the first of those at 19 years, 11 months and seven days — astoundingly tying her for the youngest player to win the Open with Inbee Park, who was precisely that old when she won in 2008.

Lilia Vu

Vu grew up in Fountain Valley and was a standout at UCLA. She won two majors in 2023 but lately has been battling back problems.

Michelle Wie West

Wie West retired three years ago after the Open at Pebble Beach, but is coming out of retirement to use her last year of exemption to play at Riviera. Her husband, Jonnie West, son of late NBA icon Jerry West, will be caddying for her.

Sports

Tomas Hertl scores game-winner as Golden Knights rally to beat Hurricanes in Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final

Published

16 hours ago

June 2, 2026

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Tomas Hertl scores game-winner as Golden Knights rally to beat Hurricanes in Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final

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The Vegas Golden Knights have taken Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, erasing the Carolina Hurricanes’ early 2-0 lead to win a thrilling 5-4 game in Raleigh and set the tone for this best-of-seven series.

It’s a seven-game win streak for Vegas now, as they haven’t lost since Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Anaheim Ducks. They surprisingly swept the Colorado Avalanche to win the West, and they kept that momentum going on the road.

Tomas Hertl was the hero for the Golden Knights in Game 1, as he scored the game-winning goal on a snipe with 3:25 left in the third period.

Tomas Hertl of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates a goal during the second period against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game One of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, on June 2, 2026. (Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images)

But it wasn’t easy for Vegas in the first period when the Hurricanes were quick to assert their home-ice advantage just 25 seconds into the game.

It was the first shot on goal for either side when Nikolaj Ehlers poked a puck past an aggressive Shea Theodore for Vegas, and he sprinted down ice toward Carter Hart, who mans the Golden Knights’ net. Ehlers, though, had the perfect shot, ringing the post and sending the Hurricanes faithful into a frenzy with the 1-0 lead before some could even get to their seats.

DESPITE POTENTIAL RATINGS NIGHTMARE FOR NHL, VEGAS-CAROLINA STANLEY CUP FINAL STILL HAS PLENTY OF INTRIGUE

Then, midway through the period, Ehlers found himself in yet another breakaway scenario, and he didn’t squander the opportunity to take advantage. He put a nifty move on Hart, and his backhand found the net to make it 2-0.

Jalen Chatfield also had his eye down ice, recognizing that Ehlers was uncovered and quickly turned Jack Eichel’s turnover into the opportunity.

But if there’s anything the Golden Knights have proved in these Stanley Cup Playoffs, it’s to never count them out. Another example of that was seen on Tuesday night.

Theodore made up for his mishap to start the game with an absolute rocket off his stick on a one-timer that saw its way through traffic and past Frederik Anderson in net to get Vegas on the board shortly after Ehlers’ second goal.

Then, as the second period got underway, it was Ivan Barbashev who decided to return the favor of scoring in 30 seconds or less. As Vegas entered the offensive zone with speed, the puck found Jack Eichel’s stick. He quickly spotted Ivan Barbashev cutting through the slot, and Barbashev fired a shot over Frederik Andersen’s right shoulder before the goalie could react.

Nikolaj Ehlers of the Carolina Hurricanes scores his second goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period in Game One of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., on June 2, 2026. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

With that, the Golden Knights tied this game up, but they didn’t let the momentum go. William Karlsson, who already has a cup under his belt for Vegas, did his part in seeking the next trophy. Mitch Marner had a tremendous backhand pass from behind the net that found Karlsson’s stick all alone out in front, and Anderson had no chance as Vegas took a 3-2 lead.

At that moment, the air in the Lenovo Center was taken right out of the fans’ sails, but a trusty veteran restored that later in the period. Jordan Staal, who watched his brother and 2006 Stanley Cup champion with the Hurricanes, Eric Staal, get the crowd going with the siren at puck drop, potted his third goal of these playoffs.

Jordan Staal snapped a wrister past Hart thanks to a heads-up play by K’Andre Miller to keep the puck onside and find his teammate fast for the grade-A chance.

The bleeding was stopped, but the third period was bound to be a thriller based on how these two teams were finding clear chances to score. Who broke the tie first was the major question, and Brett Howden had the answer just 1:21 into the period.

The playoff leader in goals, Howden had a beautiful tip on a shot by Theodore for his 11th of the playoffs and perhaps his most important in Game 1. The scoreboard remained silent for some time after that, with both teams trying to set up solid forechecks, but to no avail. The Hurricanes even had a power play, but they couldn’t find the back of the net.

William Karlsson of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates his goal with teammates during the second period of Game One of the Stanley Cup Final against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., on June 2, 2026. (Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images)

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Then, with 8:41 left, some puck luck found the Hurricanes, as defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere saw an offensive zone face-off biscuit fall right into his lap with no one around. He secured the puck on his stick blade and wristed it past Hart for the 4-4 tie.

However, the rollercoaster ride for the Hurricanes didn’t have a happy ending when they got off, with Hertl’s goal, assisted on a crafty Sissons’ pass following a face-off, being the final say in this one.

Game 2 of this series will be played once more in Raleigh on Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.