U.S. Soccer Fires Men’s Coach Gregg Berhalter: ‘We Must Do Better’
In a shocking move, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) has announced that it has terminated the contract of men’s national team coach Gregg Berhalter, citing the team’s disappointing performance in recent international competitions.
The news comes on the heels of the team’s lackluster performance in the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign, which saw them fail to win the region and miss out on the coveted automatic spot in the World Cup. The team’s poor form was highlighted by a 2-0 loss to Canada in a crucial match that ended their chances of advancing to the final round of qualifying.
The decision to fire Berhalter was made after an extensive review of the team’s performance and a thorough evaluation of his coaching style and tactics. According to a statement released by the USSF, the organization believes that the team must “do better” in order to compete with the best teams in the world.
“We appreciate the effort and dedication that Gregg Berhalter has brought to the team, but we believe that it is time for a change,” said USSF President Cindy Parlow Cone. “We must do better, and we must do better now. We are committed to finding the right coach to lead our team forward and achieve success in the world of international soccer.”
Berhalter, who was hired in 2018, had a tumultuous tenure as the men’s national team coach, marked by controversy and criticism from fans and pundits alike. He had previously been criticized for his coaching style, which was seen as too defensive and overly reliant on individual players rather than building a cohesive team unit.
The search for a new coach is expected to begin immediately, with the USSF considering a number of candidates from around the world. The organization has not yet announced a timeline for the hiring process, but it is expected to be a comprehensive and thorough search that will result in the selection of the best candidate for the position.
The decision to fire Berhalter comes at a critical time for the USSF, which is facing increased scrutiny and pressure to improve the team’s performance. The organization has faced criticism for its handling of the men’s national team, including its failure to invest in the team’s infrastructure and development system.
Berhalter’s departure marks the end of an era for the men’s national team, which has been marked by inconsistency and disappointment over the past several years. The team has failed to win a major international tournament since the 2009 Gold Cup, and its performance in recent years has been marked by heartbreaking losses and disappointing results.
As the USSF begins its search for a new coach, fans are hoping that the organization will find someone who can bring stability and success to the team. The search is likely to be a long and challenging one, but ultimately, the USSF must find the right candidate to lead the team forward and achieve the success that fans are craving.
In a statement, Berhalter expressed his disappointment at the decision, saying that he was “grateful for the opportunity to serve as the head coach of the United States men’s national team.” He went on to thank the players, staff, and fans for their support, and wished the team “all the best” in the future.
The USSF has announced that an interim coach will be appointed to lead the team in the coming months, and the search for a permanent coach is expected to begin shortly.