Why Jurgen Klopp is a perfect fit to lead the USMNT

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.