Gregg Berhalter's return as the manager for the USMNT has not been well received, especially with three superior options out there.
It was announced today by U.S. Soccer that Gregg Berhalter will be returning to his role as head coach of the USMNT.
This has not been a popular appointment so we are taking a look at three coaches that should have been hired instead of Berhalter.
3 coaches that should have been hired instead of Gregg Berhalter
1. Jesse Marsch
Jesse Marsch was one of the favourites by many fans to succeed Berhalter. Since his sacking by Leeds United earlier this year, Marsch has continued to be linked with clubs in Europe.
Marsch turned down Southampton and Leicester City at the end of last season and has recently been linked with Monaco and Celtic. It seems that the manager is keen to prove himself in European soccer, so possibly he did not want the USMNT job.
However, U.S. Soccer should have done everything in its power to get the most accomplished American coach to take over the national team. Marsch has had success in MLS with the New York Red Bulls and in the Austrian Bundesliga with Red Bull Salzburg.
His two most recent jobs at RB Leipzig and Leeds have not gone to plan. Although, he now has experience at the highest level and would have got the Stars and Stripes fans onside.
2. Anthony Hudson
Anthony Hudson did a great job when he was thrown into the role following Berhalter's unceremonious departure after the World Cup in Qatar. He ultimately had a 40 percent win record in the five games that he had in charge.
Folarin Balogun also committed to representing the USMNT under Hudson's tenure. Having worked as an assistant to Berhalter, Hudson was a version of him without the baggage. Hudson was someone who could have continued the progress that the national team had done under Berhalter.
However, Hudson realised that he was not going to get the head coach job on a full-time basis and left to join the Qatari side Al-Markhiya S.C. This has now left Berhalter with the task of finding a new assistant.
3. Patrick Vieira
Patrick Vieira was another candidate who was interested in the role. Like Marsch, he has experience in MLS and at the highest level in Europe. Vieira coached New York City FC which earned him managerial jobs with Nice and Crystal Palace.
Vieira was also one of the best midfielders of his generation. He won the World Cup with France in 1998 and he would instantly earn the respect of the USMNT players.
USMNT fans now need to back Berhalter
It has all been a bit of a mess and U.S. Soccer has gone full circle in appointing the man that they let go less than six months ago. It seems a bit of a waste of time that Berhalter could have been continuing his work with the side.
Many fans are understandably frustrated but they must get behind Berhalter as he prepares to lead the side at the 2026 World Cup. The tournament which the USA is co-hosting will be the biggest in North American soccer history and the Stars and Stripes will not go far without its supporters.
