In a surprising turn of events, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has turned down an approach from the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) to take over as the head coach of the men's national team. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that initial contact was made with Klopp, but he expressed his desire for a break from football.

Despite Klopp's refusal, sources indicate that there is still interest from US Soccer in making the 57-year-old their next head coach. This development comes after Gregg Berhalter was sacked following the USMNT's disappointing group-stage exit at the Copa America, which was held on home soil.

Klopp, who left Liverpool in May after a highly successful nine-year tenure at Anfield, expressed his love and admiration for the club, the city, the supporters, and the team when announcing his exit in January. He cited a lack of energy as the reason behind his decision, stating that he could not continue to perform the demanding job repeatedly.

During his time at Liverpool, Klopp led the team to their first Premier League title in 30 years and secured a Champions League victory in 2019. His departure raised interest among several clubs and national teams, including the USSF, as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States alongside Canada and Mexico.

Speaking about the need for a new coach, Matt Crocker, U.S. Soccer's sporting director, emphasized the urgency of finding someone who can maximize the team's potential ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Crocker stated that the search process has already begun following Berhalter's dismissal.

Berhalter's reappointment last summer was met with surprise, despite leading the USMNT to the knockout stage of the 2022 World Cup, as well as winning two CONCACAF Nations League titles and a Gold Cup. However, issues with key players and a series of lackluster results, culminating in their early exit from the recent Copa America, ultimately led to his dismissal.

The USMNT's Copa America campaign included a 2-0 victory over Bolivia, but losses to Panama and Uruguay resulted in their elimination during the group stage. This setback marked the first time a host country was eliminated in the group stage since the tournament adopted a single host nation format in 1987.

Reflecting on their performance, Crocker acknowledged that the team fell short of their expectations and expressed the need to improve in future tournaments.

As the USSF continues its search for the next head coach, the rejection from Klopp raises questions about who will take on the crucial role of leading the USMNT during the road to the 2026 World Cup.