The coach of the United States men’s national soccer team, Gregg Berhalter is under tremendous pressure after overseeing a disappointing campaign in the ongoing Copa America 2024. The USA had one of the most talented and promising squads heading into the continental tournament but failed drastically to live up to the expectations with the majority of the blame being taken over by their coach.
The group stage elimination in the Copa America is made even more devastating and humiliating for the soccer fans in the USA by the fact that the great nation acted as the hosts. Soccer has witnessed an upward trend in the North American nation recently, which might take a blow owing to the USA’s displays. Gregg Berhalter will now inevitably have discussions surrounding his future which is anything but certain.
Fans demand separation from Gregg Berhalter after the Copa America elimination
It is fair to proclaim that Gregg Berhalter got his tactical setup all wrong in the Copa America 2024. The attacking quality that the personnel in the USA camp possessed was not optimally utilized owing to the subpar tactics of the American coach. A passive and pessimistic style of play and baffling substitutions ignited the discontent within the fanbase.
Berhalter’s original stint with the national team lasted from 2018 to the end of the FIFA World Cup in 2022. The 50-year-old was reappointed six months later by the Federation of Soccer in the US. Supporters, however, have made their desires clear about the head coach position, in light of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup which is also set to be co-hosted by the United States as well as the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
USMNT’s run in the Copa America 2024
Gregg Berhalter and his side would have been reasonably pleased with the group stage draw heading into the Copa America. The USMNT was placed with Uruguay, Panama, and Bolivia in Group C. The minimum expectation was for the national team to finish in the top two and qualify for the quarter-finals. The likes of Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie were the ones most expected to shine for their country. Bolivia was the first test for them which the US negated rather well with a 2-0 victory.
Since then, though, the proceedings have been extremely challenging. Panama produced a shocking victory on matchday while Uruguay landed the final in the coffin for the Americans as a 1-0 defeat confirmed elimination. Several renowned coaches with the requisite experience at the top are available in the market currently, which should induce the top authorities in the US to adopt a different project. There is no question of lack of skill in the national team but a sense of direction is needed to combine the abilities towards a successful journey.