Alexi Lalas Rejects USMNT’s Potential Move To Sign Luis de la Fuente After Gregg Berhalter Sacking

Rumor mills have relentlessly been linking veteran coaches to the USMNT manager’s post, as Gregg Berhalter left the seat vacant after the US’ abysmal Copa exit. After the US Soccer Federation’s failed attempt to convince Jurgen Klopp for the role, rumors have it that Gareth Southgate or Patrick Vieira could replace Berhalter. That’s not all. In a turn that nobody saw, Spain’s 2024 Euro-winning boss Luis de la Fuente has supposedly shown interest in the US coaching job. However, former US star Alexi Lalas and his podcast co-host seemed skeptical about the Spanish boss’ rumored interest.

Spain’s massive Euro win was one of the many hot topics discussed in the latest episode of the State of the Union podcast, hosted by Alexi Lalas. Soon the conversation ventured into reports that said la Fuente wants to coach the US team. “I think he[Luis de la Fuente] is focusing on the Euros. Why is he even thinking about the US job, I don’t know, I’m a bit skeptical of that,” said Lalas’ co-host. “Well, even if it’s the truth, I’m not sure if that is necessarily the way to go. It is a very apples and oranges situation with respect to who you’re coaching,” said Alexi Lalas.

As per a report in the Washington Post, Luis de la Fuente’s representative and president of the Global Elite Sports group, Massoud Rashoundel mailed to US Soccer’s technical director Matt Crocker about the USMNT’s coaching vacancy, two days before Spain lifted the Euro title. Besides, de la Fuente’s advisor Vicente Montes was also included in the mail to Crocker. Anyhow, it is highly doubtful if a coach like la Fuente would’ve thought of a different job just when he was busy preparing Spain for the Euro final.

USMNT is fine with Southgate, says Alexi Lalas

Rumors immediately linked Gareth Southgate to the US camp after he resigned from the England coaching job following their Euro final loss. Lalas immediately took to X to give his two cents on Southgate’s potential US switch but with a tinge of humor. The former US defender wrote, “No problem with Southgate for USMNT.” Then he took a jab at the former English boss’ trophyless spells. “It would finally give him an opportunity to win something.”

It is again dubious if Southgate would immediately take up a new team after a chaotic stint in the recent Euro. Meanwhile, 1998 World champion and former MLS coach Patrick Vieira is also pipped to take the US team’s reins. Vieira famously showed his interest in the US job in 2023, when Berhalter was sacked over a domestic abuse allegation. On the back of Vieira’s devotion to the US team, certain former players want him to revive his interest to replace Berhalter. Who do you think is the best replacement for Berhalter? Tell us in the comments.