On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Why Jurgen Klopp is a perfect fit to lead the USMNT
The U.S. Men’s National Team crashed out of the group stage of Copa America on Monday, causing many to question its leadership. With head coach Gregg Berhalter’s seat piping hot, soccer notables and fans groups are calling for U.S. Soccer to pursue former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
As the largest US Soccer supporter group, we take our role as the voice of fans seriously. With that responsibility, we have a duty to make sure we take our time, do the work, and get it right.
— AO (@AmericanOutlaws) July 3, 2024
We’re with you.@ussoccer must make a head coaching change. pic.twitter.com/cN0iedvgRB
Klopp stepped down from Liverpool after last season, citing fatigue. He promised to never coach in England again but did not rule out the possibility of a national team job.
Klopp appears to be buying into the buzz, posting on the Fourth of July about how much he enjoys the USA.
Jurgen Klopp casually reminiscing about his moments in the U.S. as Liverpool’s manager
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 4, 2024
(via kloppo/IG) pic.twitter.com/cDq24QZkpm
It’s not just fans who want the German manager. Former USMNT goalkeeper and current NBC analyst Tim Howard had strong feelings about a potential Klopp takeover.
If I was in charge of US Soccer, I would fly to Spain and pay Jurgen Klopp a visit. I believe I could convince him to take the USMNT job.
— Tim Howard (@TimHowardGK) July 3, 2024
Gregg Berhalter will get the blame for this Copa America but much of the fault lies with the players.https://t.co/o7kEDkSgEW
As arguably the best manager out of a job, Klopp has a style that fits what the team needs to gear up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He showed at Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund that he can build a championship culture. The USMNT has never won a major tournament, a glaring gap on its resume.
Klopp led Dortmund to its first domestic double in 2011 and a runner-up finish in the 2013 UEFA Champions League. He ended Liverpool’s 30-year Premier League title drought in 2020 after winning the UCL in 2019.
As a proven winner, Klopp would be best suited to fix a perceived culture problem within the USMNT.
This says it all. Comfort, complacency, deemed the most talented but haven’t accomplished anything. Have all the resources given to them. Not hungry enough. This group needs that to come from the top down. It’s not like the old school generation that had the grit within them. https://t.co/SbTmqDW8UU
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) July 2, 2024
Klopp is also lauded for his ability to develop players. Liverpool’s academy produced many players during Klopp’s tenure who helped secure vital victories in the Carabao Cup and Premier League.
"I owe him absolutely everything"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 10, 2024
"He's a special, special manager"
Klopp's kids ❤️ pic.twitter.com/gDlCkGui9w
Klopp is the best man available to handle a relatively young USMNT. With an average age of a little more than 25, Berhalter’s squad was the second youngest for the U.S. at a Copa America.
If Berhalter is let go, Klopp is the ideal replacement. The issue will be whether U.S. Soccer is willing to give him the agency and money he deserves.
More must-reads:
- Three HC candidates USMNT should consider to replace Gregg Berhalter
- Erik ten Hag signs ‘big’ 2-year deal with Manchester United despite abysmal 2023-24 season
- The 'NFL Defensive Players of the Year ' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
TODAY'S BEST
Rasmus Andersson Turns Down Huge Long-Term Offer from an NHL Team
Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson is entering the final year of his six-year, $4.55 million AAV contract, and uncertainty surrounds his future. Speaking with Sweden’s Expressen, Andersson shot down false rumors about where he’s willing to go, and revealed he turned down a lucrative long-term offer from another NHL team. All of this took place roughly six weeks ago, says the blueliner. He cited family reasons as to why he’s being particular about his next move. Still, as picky as he might be, rumors he’s only willing to go to Vegas are not true. “But I have not given Calgary a team, that I only want to play with one team,” he said. “That is not true…” He did get an offer from another team, likely not the Golden Knights. “I wasn’t keen on moving my family there and signing a long-term contract,” Andersson explained, adding that he provided the Flames with a list of teams he’d consider signing with if traded. However, the team that offered him a deal wasn’t on that list. He explained, “I communicated that decision to Calgary. I said if you want to trade me, this is the number of teams I can think of signing for. But this wasn’t one of them.” The Flames and Andersson Aren’t Talking Any Longer Talks with Calgary have since gone silent. Speculation is that he’s not heard about a trade option or extension in over a month. Whether the Flames have stopped looking for now, or teams haven’t lined up with trade offers, it sounds like nothing is imminent. All that said, Andersson is expected to draw significant trade interest before the 2026 deadline if an extension isn’t reached. His situation will be one of Calgary’s most closely watched storylines this season.
One former walk-on is continuing to prove in fall camp why he should have been on scholarship a long time ago for the Sooners
The Oklahoma Sooners have a ton of big-time names to the fan base as the enter 2025. They have guys that in Norman, Oklahoma, and around the state, are superstars. Guys like John Mateer, R Mason Thomas, and even Jayden Ott now. Those guys are pretty well known tho the fan base, even by the casual fans. But, there are some really good players on this team who may not be as known as those guys, but when it comes to their role, they do it very good. One of those is a linebacker the casual fan may or may not know about. Owen Heinecke has been balling during fall camp. Sooners LB Owen Heinecke has had great fall camps Owen Heinecke is a redshirt junior linebacker for the Oklahoma Sooners. He didn’t play a ton last year, but when he did he certainly wasn’t bad. It just happens that he plays one of the more stacked positions on the Sooners. Heinecke is from Tulsa, Oklahoma, so, he’s a local kid. He stands 6’1” and weighs 227 pounds. Originally a lacrosse player at Ohio State in 2021, Heinecke transferred to OU as a walk-on in 2022 after a standout high school career at Bishop Kelley, where he was named District 5A-III Player of the Year in football. So, yes, the kid can play, and being a walk-on didn’t change any of that. And being a scholarship player didn’t change his going or approach at all, either. At OU, Heinecke has been a key special teams player, appearing in all 13 games in both 2023 and 2024. He recorded seven tackles in 2024, including a career-high two against Temple, and four tackles in 2023. His speed and tackling ability make him a valuable asset on coverage units. Heinecke’s family has OU ties—his uncle played on the 2000 national championship team, and his father played football at Tulsa. “He’s had as good a camp as anybody,” head coach Brent Venables said regarding former walk-on linebacker Owen Heinecke. As for Heinecke as he enters 2025, he’s showing why he should have been a scholarship player from the get-go. Now, it’s about making the most of the opportunities he does get.
Red Wings Announce Major Change for Their 100th Season and Fans Are Fired Up
The Red Wings have announced that they are bringing back their iconic 'Hockeytown' logo to center ice at Little Caesars Arena for their 100th year in the NHL. A somewhat familiar look is coming back to center ice at Little Caesars Arena, which has been the home of the Detroit Red Wings since 2017. A special fan polling has resulted in the announcement that the iconic former 'Hockeytown' logo from Joe Louis Arena, their former home, is coming back as part of a new special logo for the team's 100th year. Asia Gholston, Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, released the following statement. The center ice fan vote, launched in partnership with Meijer, was a great way to get fans involved in Red Wings Centennial right from the start. Through an incredible response to this vote, fans have made it clear they're fired up for what's to come in celebrating 100 years of Hockeytown, which is only possible due to their unwavering support for the Winged Wheel. The Red Wings featured the 'Hockeytown' logo at Joe Louis Arena in 1996, which remained until the building's closure in 2017. The Red Wings then used the same logo in their 1st year at Little Caesars Arena, but since then have just utilized a large team logo. The Red Wings celebrate their 100th year in the NHL The Red Wings were founded in 1926, but are in the midst of the longest drought of postseason hockey in their history. Considering that they've now been around for 100 years, that postseason absence is a surprising statistic. Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman has started to feel some heat for having not been able to get the team to the postseason in each of his first 6 years on the job.
Cowboys exec has blunt message about Micah Parsons' trade request
The Dallas Cowboys have not been able to come to an agreement with Micah Parsons on a long-term contract extension, but that does not mean the team has any plans to shop the star pass-rusher in trade talks. Parsons, who is making just over $24M in the final year of his rookie contract this season, publicly requested a trade from the Cowboys on Aug. 1. There have now been questions about whether he will report to work before Week 1. While Parsons has refused to practice in training camp, he traveled to Los Angeles with the Cowboys for their preseason game against the Rams on Saturday night. Before kickoff, Dallas executive vice president Stephen Jones said he was pleased with Parsons' decision to join the team. Jones also said the Cowboys "have no intention of trading Micah." It is a positive sign for the Cowboys that Parsons chose to be on the sideline for Saturday's exhibition game. The 26-year-old has also been with his teammates at training camp, though he has not been practicing. From a contractual standpoint, Parsons has very little leverage. He would have to forfeit game checks if he were to skip regular-season games, and his contract would eventually toll and carry over into 2026 if he were to sit out long enough. The Cowboys also still have the franchise tag available to use on Parsons in both 2026 and 2027. All Parsons can do is create a headache for the Cowboys, which has been a successful strategy for many players in the past. For what it's worth, a different Dallas star who had a contract standoff with the team last year believes the situation will eventually be resolved. Jones and his father, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, have made it clear that they will not entertain trade offers at this time. Parsons had 12 sacks in 13 games last season, so there is no question the team is better with him on the field. He has 52.5 sacks in 63 career games and is arguably the best pass-rusher in the NFL when healthy.
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
