Simon Jordan says that there’s no chance of Jurgen Klopp taking charge of the USA’s men’s national team.
The USA are looking for a new head coach following the decision to sack Gregg Berhalter from his position, and have reportedly already made a move for Klopp.
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While leading his nation to a decent showing at the World Cup in Qatar by reaching the last 16, Berhalter made history by making the US the first host nation in Copa America history to be eliminated in the group stage.
As they prepare to co-host the World Cup in 2026, they’re eyeing a flagship appointment with Klopp among the names being considered.
The Athletic reports that the United States Soccer Federation have moved to bring in Klopp but the ex-Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund boss has rebuffed this approach with Klopp currently on a break from football after a nine-year spell at Anfield.
While the USSF may make another approach for Klopp in the future, Jordan says that US Soccer is not ready for such a high-profile appointment.
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Speaking on Euro Gameday Warm-up, Jordan said: “There’s not a parallel universe – in this life, the next life or if you’re living in The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe – where Jurgen Klopp is going to managing the USA soccer team.
“It’s not going to happen.”
Asked about his experience of watching Major League Soccer recently, Jordan added: “It was awful. The standard of MLS is poor.
“I went to see Inter Miami, who were top of their division, when they played against St Louis and the quality from the American players was abject.
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“The only players who had any quality were the foreign players – Lionel Messi, a half-fit Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
“The bottom line is that you look at American soccer and where its development is and the players – in the World Cup I thought they were a decent side under Greg.
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“They were better than England when they played them in the group, but in recent times despite the fact that they’ve lost games that they’re disappointed with, they drew against the Brazilians.
“They’re not a disaster but I don’t think that American soccer is anywhere near the level where despite the fact that they projected a £15billion revenue stream to FIFA, which is why they got the World Cup thanks to Donald Trump’s promise, they’re a mile off but there’s nothing wrong with having ambition.”
Jordan’s belief that Klopp will never manage the USA has been echoed by German football expert Constantin Eckner, who says the 57-year-old would be in line for a massive pay cut if he was to accept the post.
Asked if we’ll see Klopp in management again, Eckner said: “I don’t doubt it.
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“I don’t believe he will be the United States national head coach though because it’s almost impossible.
“They introduced an equal pay policy last year and Emma Hayes – who is managing the United States women’s team – is receiving $2million a year which means that Klopp would also earn $2million per year.
“I don’t believe that’s an offer he will take.”
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Klopp made his name in the management world while at Dortmund where he guided them to Bundesliga glory two seasons running, as well as the Champions League final in 2013.
He left two years later and was hired by Liverpool in 2015, where he developed them into one of the best teams in the world, having won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and two Carabao Cups.