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    Should Gregg Berhalter get a second chance with USMNT after public backing? | ESPN FC
    World Cup 2026

    Should Gregg Berhalter get a second chance with USMNT after public backing? | ESPN FC



    The Futbol Americas duo of Sebastian Salazar and Herculez Gomez discuss why USMNT players are publicly backing Gregg Berhalter. The guys take a look at how the sporting director should go forward with the program and the backlash that may come if they do bring Gregg Berhalter back.

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    View 45 Comments

    45 Comments

    3. William Croy on

      The players aren't backing Berhalter by their comments/statements. They just aren't bashing him because they are professionals. Berhalter had his time as manager and whether you like him or don't like him, it's time to move on.

    5. Basically Hamm on

      The situation Gregg was put in was absolutely shameful and he didn’t deserve that a human being, however you can’t just hire the guy back to make up for his mistreatment. Gregg has done an amazing job at building a culture that the players are proud to represent and he should be praised for that, but with this group of players he has his limitations. Tactically we are a mess and his roster selections have been quite questionable for his entire tenure. We have the opportunity to really breach through the world’s expectations of US Soccer with this pool of players, but Gregg is holding them back

    6. Didier on

      Stop with this narrative that he can possibly go back to head the team it's nonsense. Find a different topic it's annoying to continue to listen to you two debating whether he's coming back or not and why. It's not going to happen because of numerous reasons, end of story move on.

    7. gustavo toro on

      Berhalter did a very good job. The future will say so. Right now he's not being treated fairly. Nobody is looking in an impartial and sensible way what the current national team is now. And another thing, the domestic violence incident took place in 1992, but the Reynas only made it public now because of what happened between Gio and Berhalter. And as far as we've heard no more stuff like that ocurred in the Berhalter family. And, listen, fellas, we all have the opportunity to redeem ourselves, and for all we know Mr. Berhalter loves his family. So, stop harassing him on that account.

    9. Ben Fong on

      I think people are backing him as a person and it certainly seems like he’s taken accountability for everything in his past. That said, he shouldn’t be retained just due to tactics alone.

    12. Dee Madden on

      He’s gotten the US team as far as they can go. If he’s still the manager in 2026 I’d be surprised if they get out of the group stage. It’s time for new blood.

    15. BakiSmaki27 on

      Unfortunately I'm not sure there's a better choice. I want a proven guy who can help USA take that next step but I don't see who is available that makes sense.

    18. Quan Pham on

      The US team needs a coach that will implement a system that will fit the talents of his players and not have his players play out of position to fit his system

    19. StevenyGabby Perez on

      I would hope we can get an upgrade. Berhalter was a great recruiter, and the players not named Reyna seem to like him, but I think we can use a coach that is more solid tactically. I feel like the powers that run the USMNT don't understand the opportunity 2026 is for the sport in this country. They should be offering record-breaking salaries to get the best possible coach.

    21. John Roth on

      No. The soccer was poor. The team was employing tactics from 25 years ago and aren't suited to the modern game. He caused a large tension in the team, he didn't bring the top players, he damaged the image of the national team….. no.

    24. Mac on

      Reyna should not play, and Berhalter should continue. Reyna's and family are disgusting and have shown their true colors.

    26. Kai Hartmann on

      Time to move on. I think Berhalter probably gets along great with the guys and is a good man-manager, but he had his cycle and I'd like to see a new coach have a go

    31. ShrimplyTheBeast on

      I'm not fan of Gregg but whatever this "kick" was, it was 30 years ago and they have since put the issue to rest, got married, and have kids. He has more than made up for that sin.

    32. Roland Varna on

      It irks me as a USMNT soccer fan, that Berhalter gets credit for the success of the team. Berhalter was an IMPEDIMENT to the team's success.

    33. BakiSmaki27 on

      Would Pochettino be interested? That's the type of guy I'd love to see at the helm but I haven't seen anything conclusive that he would want the job and he's been mentioned as a possible hire for some big clubs. People don't want Berhalter back but I haven't seen too many realistic suggestions of who can replace him. Getting someone similar or unproven will likely fail.

    36. M City on

      We will never get anywhere with our current system. It’s been proven. We need to go all out and get a world class coach if we want to do well in the next World Cup. But I would not be surprised if the USA federation decides to stick with Berhalter because they are incompetent and don’t know what they are doing.

    37. Would B Farmer on

      He did fine, did okay.
      But move on. Come on people. Has there ever been a coach who took this kind of absence and came back to take a team to a higher level?

    38. Justin Connealy on

      What a disgrace it would be if he returns. He was a poor manager, particularly in-game. Plus, you are quoting several players, not the entire team. Would Pepi, Dike, Steffen, etc etc like his return? Have we heard from them?

    39. Richard Porter on

      Yes he should not like the next coach the US bring is guarantee to win it all you guys are far away from winning a World Cup there’s no creativity in the midfield no real striker

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