<p>Under-fire TSG Hoffenheim coach Pellegrino Matarazzo will host Miroslav Klose’s Nuremberg on Wednesday in cup action. The World Cup’s all-time top-scorer is enjoying life as a manager. Recently, Klose’s 2. Bundesliga side blasted Joe Enochs’ Jahn Regensburg 8-3 last Friday.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Enochs, who represented the US in his playing days, lost his position after the embarrassing defeat left his team with four points from ten games. Meanwhile, Matarazzo’s situation <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/most-successful-american-soccer-coaches-in-europe/">shed light on the difficulties American coaches face</a> in European soccer.</p>



<h2>Players’ success stories don’t translate to coaching</h2>



<p>More than ever, USMNT stars are becoming decisive with their clubs in top-rated European leagues. Christian Pulisic played at a world-class level at the start of the season while Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi have been in fine scoring forms of their own. Antonee Robinson has played every minute for Fulham in the Premier League and the performances of Brenden Aaronson and Josh Sargent in the Championship can serve as other examples of the recent trends.</p>



<p>But when it comes to American coaches, the story is very different. So far, only Jesse Marsch and Matarazzo have coached in UEFA club competitions. Following his time with Leeds United, Marsch is now Canada’s national team coach.</p>



<p>For a while, the 50-year-old Wisconsin native was dreaming of coaching USMNT. Similarly, Matarazzo publicly expressed his desire to lead his nation in the future. But, for now, US Soccer went with a big name by hiring Mauricio Pochettino.</p>



<h2>Tough time for Europe-based US coaches&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Previous USMNT coaches Bob Bradley and Gregg Berhalter also tried their luck in Europe. However, Bradley was only in the Premier League hotspot for 11 games with Swansea City. And Swedish club Hammarby was a second-tier club when Berhalter was in charge between 2011 to 2013.</p>



<p>But the recent crop of young coaches has struggled to even reach that level. David Wagner, who was born in Frankfurt and spent most of his time in Germany, was recently relieved of his position at Norwich City.</p>



<p>Steve Cherundolo worked as assistant manager at Hannover and Stuttgart, but he’s now settled with life at MLS. Enochs is another US coach who has a long-standing history in German soccer.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="671" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241028_WST_537690_Joe-Enochs-Regensburg-1200x671_478753ad.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=671" alt="" class="wp-image-537698" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Joe-Enochs-Regensburg-1200x671.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Joe-Enochs-Regensburg-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Joe-Enochs-Regensburg-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Joe-Enochs-Regensburg-1536x858.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Joe-Enochs-Regensburg-2048x1145.jpg 2048w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Joe-Enochs-Regensburg-490x275.jpg 490w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Joe-Enochs-Regensburg-250x140.jpg 250w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>In his first full season at the club, Enochs won promotion to 2. Bundesliga before the awful start to the new campaign. Regensburg conceded 30 goals in the first 10 games of the season while they only found the net four times, including three in the weekend’s 8-3 defeat.</p>



<h2>Time is ticking for Matarazzo&nbsp;at Hoffenheim</h2>



<p>Wednesday’s game will be crucial for Matarazzo’s credentials at Hoffenheim. While he fared much better in Europe, four points from three games after defeat in Porto last Thursday, their league form has been concerning.</p>



<p>In Sunday’s goalless draw with Heidenheim, Matarazzo had to rely on a superb late save by his goalkeeper Oliver Baumann to salvage a point. Hoffenheim currently sits in 15th place after eight rounds played in the Bundesliga. Their only wins came against the bottom-placed teams Holstein Kiel and VfL Bochum.</p>



<p>In that regard, their next league game will also be against 16th-placed St. Pauli. But, if Klose recorded another win against a US coach on Wednesday, the pressure would increase on Matarazzo.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With 99 goals in 57 league games, Matarazzo is only second to current Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann for the highest <a href="https://www.kicker.de/matarazzo-auf-nagelsmanns-spuren-1062485/artikel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">goal-per-game ratio at Hoffenheim</a>. But they also conceded 104 goals this time, which is the fourth-worst record for a Hoffenheim coach.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>

Matarazzo on Hoffenheim hot seat as American coaches flounder

Underfire TSG Hoffenheim coach Pellegrino Matarazzo will host Miroslav Klose’s Nuremberg on Wednesday in cup action.

<p>The United States men’s national team and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/england-national-team-tv-schedule/">England</a> are both looking for a new manager at the moment. Gregg Berhalter was recently fired by U.S. Soccer due to the team’s string of poor performances at Copa America 2024. Gareth Southgate, on the other hand, stepped down from his role with the Three Lions after losing to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/spain-national-team-tv-schedule/">Spain</a> in the Euro 2024 final.</p>



<p>The open managerial positions are two of the more high-profile vacancies in the sport. England, however, is seemingly making positive steps forward in their search for a new manager. It was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/article/2024/aug/05/fa-board-gives-approval-foreign-manager-take-england-mens-job-gareth-southgate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">revealed</a> on Monday that the Football Association (FA) board has approved targeting a foreign coach to succeed Southgate.</p>



<h2>England targets foreign manager thanks to FA vote</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240806_WST_520893_England-manager-1-1200x675_e0b87cc6.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-520950" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/England-manager-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/England-manager-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/England-manager-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/England-manager-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/England-manager-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>According to <em>The Guardian</em>, FA CEO Mark Bullingham directly asked the board to vote on the matter. Although some members showed hesitations, they have officially now agreed to allow Bullingham to target a foreign manager. The CEO’s decision to call for the vote suggests that he has an idea of who he wants to target.</p>



<p>Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel are the top two foreign candidates for the England job. The Argentine coach previously made a name for himself while at English duo Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur. He then most recently managed Paris Saint-Germain and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> with less success.</p>



<p>Tuchel has managed a series of top European clubs since joining <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/borussia-dortmund-tv-schedule/">Borussia Dortmund</a> in 2015. The German is a top manager and has collected trophies at his last four teams.</p>



<h2>U.S. Soccer stalls in their search for Berhalter successor</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240806_WST_520893_England-manager-2-1200x675_48fb0082.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-520951" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/England-manager-2-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/England-manager-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/England-manager-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/England-manager-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/England-manager-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>While England is making moves behind the scenes, U.S. Soccer seems to be taking their time. It was recently <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/usmnt-bundesliga-coachs-name-rises-to-prominence/">reported</a> that Hoffenheim manager Pellegrino Matarazzo was being linked with the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a>. Matarazzo was born in New Jersey and played college soccer at Columbia. The former defender previously managed Stuttgart before joining the fellow Bundesliga side last year.</p>



<p>Nevertheless, Matarazzo and Hoffenheim have now both officially confirmed that the coach will remain in Germany. “It is enormously important to create clarity and calm at this unsettling time,” <a href="https://www.tsg-hoffenheim.de/en/news/overview/2024/08/together-into-the-new-season" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated</a> Matarazzo. “I’m proud to be the coach of this team and I’m really looking forward to taking part in European competition with the boys this season. I’m convinced that with the right additions to the squad, we’ll have another successful season.”</p>



<p>Hoffenheim is clearly happy with the announcement. “For us, there was and still is no doubt that we will start the new season with our coach at the helm,” <a href="https://www.tsg-hoffenheim.de/en/news/overview/2024/08/together-into-the-new-season" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proclaimed</a> the team’s director Frank Kramer. “Last season and the final days at the training camp have shown that the coaching team and the squad are heading in the same direction. We’re all looking forward to a successful season together.”</p>



<p>The news will likely not fill American soccer fans with much confidence going forward. Matt Crocker, the technical direct at U.S. Soccer, is already viewed unfavorably by many USMNT supporters. The exec previously rehired Berhalter, despite the fact that most fans did not want him back. He has now stalled the new search by fumbling the situation with Matarazzo and Hoffenheim. The USMNT plays their next game in one month.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>

Pochettino, Tuchel tipped for England job as US Soccer looks on

England is taking positive steps forward in their search for a new manager, while U.S. Soccer fails to entice a recent target.

Pochettino, Tuchel tipped for England job as US Soccer looks on - World Soccer Talk

featured

<p>The next head coach for the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) could come from the German Bundesliga.</p>



<p>Pellegrino Matarazzo, the current manager of Hoffenheim, has reportedly been offered the position by US Soccer, as per German news outlets <a href="https://www.kicker.de/us-verband-will-matarazzo-1042072/artikel#twfeed" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kicker</a> and <a href="https://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/kurz-vorm-saisonstart-bundesliga-coach-will-us-nationaltrainer-werden-66ace39eedc0f10a82c85fa2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bild</a>. </p>



<p>This news comes amid a turbulent period for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a>; they are seeking a fresh start following a disappointing performance at the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america-tv-schedule/">2024 Copa America</a>.</p>



<p>Born in Wayne, New Jersey, to Italian immigrants, Matarazzo has a unique background that blends American roots with extensive European experience. </p>



<p>He attended Columbia University, graduating with a degree in applied mathematics. Then, he embarked on a professional soccer career in Germany in 2000. </p>



<p>His playing career spanned various low-level professional teams, with the highest level being Germany’s third division.</p>



<p>Matarazzo’s transition from player to coach began at Nurnberg, where he was both a player and an assistant coach for the reserve team. </p>



<p>His coaching career gained significant traction when he became roommates with Julian Nagelsmann, in 2015. Matarazzo later joined Nagelsmann’s staff at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/hoffenheim-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Hoffenheim</a>, starting as a youth coach and eventually becoming his assistant.</p>



<h2>Coaching career and style</h2>



<p>Matarazzo’s managerial career took off when Stuttgart hired him in December 2019. He led them to promotion from the second division to the Bundesliga, where they finished ninth in their first season back. Despite a challenging second season, where Stuttgart narrowly avoided relegation, </p>



<p>Matarazzo’s tenure was marked by his ability to develop young talent and implement a high-pressing, counter-attacking style of play. After leaving Die Roten, Matarazzo returned to Hoffenheim as head coach in February 2023. Under his leadership, Hoffenheim finished seventh in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-the-bundesliga-on-us-tv-and-internet/">Bundesliga</a>; securing a spot in the UEFA Europa League for the 2024-25 season.</p>



<p>The 45-year-old’s preferred formation is a 3-5-2, and his coaching philosophy is heavily influenced by his time working with Nagelsmann. He emphasizes high pressing and counter-attacking but also values possession and tactical flexibility. His approach could be highly beneficial for the USMNT, who boast several talented players like <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/pulisic-could-switch-to-new-position-in-milan/">Christian Pulisic</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/usmnt-duo-tessmann-and-mckennie-to-join-forces-next-season/">Weston McKennie</a>, and Sergiño Dest.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="442" height="544" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240804_WST_520531_image_344f4d78.webp&amp;width=442&amp;height=544" alt="" class="wp-image-520544" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/image.png 442w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/image-244x300.png 244w" sizes="(max-width: 442px) 100vw, 442px"></figure><figcaption>Pellegrino Matarazzo has reportedly been offered the USMNT job.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What can Matarazzo bring to USMNT?</h2>



<p>The possibility of Matarazzo taking over the USMNT comes at a critical time. The United States, Mexico, and Canada will host the 2026 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">World Cup</a>, and the squad is getting ready to play in that tournament. </p>



<p>Expectations are high; the Yanks need a coach who can harness their potential and elevate their performance on the world stage. </p>



<p>Matarazzo’s experience in European soccer, combined with his American background, makes him an intriguing candidate for the role.</p>



<p>However, transitioning from club to national team management presents its own set of challenges. </p>



<p>The manager’s will need to adapt his coaching style to the international arena, working with players from diverse leagues and backgrounds. </p>



<p>Integrating his tactical philosophies with the realities of American soccer will require careful planning and execution.</p>



<p>One potential hurdle in securing Matarazzo as the USMNT head coach is his current contract with Hoffenheim, which runs until the end of the 2024-25 season.</p>



<p> U.S. Soccer may need to negotiate a buyout with Hoffenheim, particularly considering Matarazzo’s recent success with the club. Additionally, Hoffenheim’s recent parting with sporting director Alexander Rosen adds another layer of complexity to the situation.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / Nordphoto.</p>

USMNT: Bundesliga coach's name rises to prominence

The next head coach for the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) could come from the German Bundesliga.

USMNT: Bundesliga coach's name rises to prominence - World Soccer Talk

<p>Gregg Berhalter and the United States men’s national team (USMNT) crashed out of the 2024 Copa America on Monday. Following the shocking loss against Panama last week, the United States needed a positive result against Uruguay. That did not materialize. Despite the promise of a “golden generation,” the USMNT is out. It is an unmitigated disaster on home soil for the Americans. </p>



<p>The main culprit is Gregg Berhalter, who – in seven years in the job – failed to get a single win over a Top 25 side in FIFA’s rankings outside Concacaf. In all likelihood, Berhalter is on the way out as head coach. That immediately turns the discussion to who could come in and replace him. Officially, Berhalter is under contract through the 2026 World Cup. Yet, that should not stop US Soccer from seeking a new head of the nation’s men’s team. </p>



<h2>Top candidates to replace Gregg Berhalter on the USMNT</h2>



<p>When US Soccer rehired Gregg Berhalter after the 2022 World Cup, it said it conducted an extensive process. Obviously, that process was a flawed plan by US Soccer Technical Director Matt Crocker, so US Soccer can’t afford to get it wrong this time.</p>



<p>There are several candidates the United States could go after if they are to make a splash in preparation for the World Cup 2026, which is also on home soil. The leading candidates are as follows:</p>



<h5>Jesse Marsch</h5>



<p>The top coach that could have taken over for Berhalter in early 2023 was Jesse Marsch. At the time, Marsch was out of a job following his dismissal from Leeds in the 2022/23 campaign. Marsch showed some promise with RB Salzburg. Additionally, he has an understanding of US Soccer and how it operates following his time as a player and coach in MLS. That has long been an unofficial qualification for hiring a USMNT head coach. </p>



<p>US Soccer interviewed Marsch for the position but strangely decided to re-hire Berhalter instead. Marsch passed on several job offers from clubs around Europe and eventually selected the Canada national team as his next job.</p>



<p>With the neighbors to the north, Marsch has had a small sample size of games to rate his progress, but growth is evident. Granted, Canada has scored just one goal in Marsch’s five games as a coach. That is still enough to pull out a draw against France, the No. 2 team in the FIFA World Rankings, in Bordeaux. Canada defeated Peru in the Copa America group stage while drawing against Chile. </p>



<p>Unlike the United States, Canada is through to the knockout stage of the Copa America. Yes, Canada has several top players like Alphonso Davies or Jonathan David. Yet, as a whole, the United States has a better crop of talent. He should, once again, be the leader among candidates to replace Gregg Berhalter as the USMNT head coach.</p>



<h5>Thierry Henry</h5>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240702_WST_514283_Thierry-Henry-USMNT-job-1200x675_099d12a2.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-514318" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Thierry-Henry-USMNT-job-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Thierry-Henry-USMNT-job-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Thierry-Henry-USMNT-job-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Thierry-Henry-USMNT-job-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Thierry-Henry-USMNT-job.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>Thierry Henry, like Marsch, has had a mixed bag of results as a coach. His first senior managerial post was with Monaco, which did not go according to plan. He showed more success with Montreal in MLS, including a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs with a weaker team. </p>



<p>France’s performance in the upcoming Paris Olympics will be fascinating for US Soccer. Thierry Henry has <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/thierry-henry-puts-his-name-in-the-hat-for-usmnt-job-20230216-WST-420113.html">expressed interest in the USMNT job</a>, but US Soccer looked the other way. </p>



<p>At the same time, Thierry Henry has reportedly been in talks with Wales to become its next head coach. If Wales is close to hiring Henry, why can’t the United States? After all, Henry would be a guiding voice with his experience to impose on the Americans.</p>



<h5>Marcelo Bielsa</h5>



<p>One of the more qualified candidates in the running for the USMNT job <em>before</em> Gregg Berhalter arrived as the head coach was Marcelo Bielsa. The Argentine eventually went to Leeds United, where he guided the side back to the Premier League. Over the years since then, Bielsa was hired by the Uruguay national team. In a bit of poeticism, Bielsa was the one to deliver the finishing blow on Berhalter’s time as the USMNT head coach.</p>



<p>The only issue is courting Bielsa away from Uruguay. One of the hurdles is salary. US Soccer has been hesitant to pay coaches well, with Emma Hayes of the USWNT signaling a change in that policy. Hayes left the Chelsea women’s team to take on the <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/assiletoufaily/2023/11/14/emma-hayes-to-become-worlds-highest-paid-womens-soccer-coach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">highest salary for any coach</a> of a women’s team. US Soccer would likely have to take <a href="https://x.com/usmntonly/status/1803417304484413460" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">another drastic step</a> if it is to bring on Bielsa, who is the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america/copa-america-top-earners-scaloni-berhalter-not-even-in-top-5/">highest-paid coach</a> at the 2024 Copa America.</p>



<p>However, you get what you pay for. And among coaches, Bielsa is regarded as one of the most scholarly coaches worldwide.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Jonathan Wilson interview about Bielsa, Klopp, Clough and USA" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0y7KQ5CP6QY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<h5>Pellegrino Matarazzo</h5>



<p>If US Soccer wants to stick with an American, Pellegrino Matarazzo is arguably the most qualified of the coaches hailing from the United States. Matarazzo is currently the head coach at TSG Hoffenheim, where he has had immense success turning the Bundesliga side around. At the beginning of his stint with Hoffenheim, the club was a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/stuttgarts-matarazzo-turns-to-psychology-in-relegation-battle-20220302-CMS-373582.html">relegation candidate</a>. Yet, in the most recent campaign, Matarazzo helped the side <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/hoffenheim-close-to-european-qualification-thanks-to-us-coach/">into the Europa League</a>. Pellegrino Matarazzo has not spent any time in the American soccer scene, at least professionally. Yet, his qualifications are clear.</p>



<p>Matarazzo previously said he has an interest in the USMNT job. Admittedly passive, Matarazzo said he would want to return to the United States at some point as a coach. The USMNT would be a sensible spot for Matarazzo with ample European experience as a player and coach. He can connect to those who came through the ranks in Germany like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, the leaders in the squad.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>



<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Copa América 2024</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to get you ready for Copa!</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america-tv-schedule/"><strong>Copa América Schedule:</strong></a> Full schedule of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america-tv-schedule/">all games</a> for the 2024 tournament</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/copa-america-pits-usa-against-uruguay-panama-and-bolivia-20231208-WST-475848.html"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We break down <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/copa-america-pits-usa-against-uruguay-panama-and-bolivia-20231208-WST-475848.html">each Copa América group</a></div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/copa-america-2024-bracket-free-download-20231208-WST-473617.html"><strong>Tournament Bracket:</strong></a> Track the action with our <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/copa-america-2024-bracket-free-download-20231208-WST-473617.html">FREE printable Copa bracket</a></div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-copa-america-on-us-tv/"><strong>How to watch:</strong></a> Information on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-copa-america-on-us-tv/">where to find the games</a> on TV and streaming</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/how-to-stream-copa-america-2024-20240107-WST-481040.html"><strong>How to Stream</strong></a> Learn how you can <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/how-to-stream-copa-america-2024-20240107-WST-481040.html">stream Copa games</a> live in 2024</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/copa-america-dates-20231127-WST-473122.html"><strong>Key Dates:</strong></a> Learn <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/copa-america-dates-20231127-WST-473122.html">All the important dates</a> to mark on your calendar</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/2024-copa-america-to-be-hosted-in-united-states-20230127-WST-417271.html"><strong>Copa (United States of) América:</strong></a> South America&apos;s biggest tournament <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/2024-copa-america-to-be-hosted-in-united-states-20230127-WST-417271.html">comes back to the USA</a></div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/biggest-soccer-events-in-2024-mark-your-calendars-20231025-WST-464504.html"><strong>2024 Soccer Calendar:</strong></a> Get the lowdown on what will be <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/biggest-soccer-events-in-2024-mark-your-calendars-20231025-WST-464504.html">a busy year in soccer</a></div>
</div>

Top 3 candidates to replace USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter

Gregg Berhalter and the United States men's national team (USMNT) crashed out of the 2024 Copa America opening the door for new candidates.

<p>Under the leadership of Pellegrino Matarazzo, Hoffenheim earned European qualification for the first time since the 2019/20 campaign. The head coach then was Julian Nagelsmann, who went to RB Leipzig, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/bayern-munich-tv-schedule/">Bayern Munich</a> and now the Germany national team. Now, in Matarazzo’s second season in charge of Hoffenheim, the club finished seventh in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/bundesliga-tv-schedule/">Bundesliga</a>. That is enough for at least the Europa Conference League.</p>



<p>However, Hoffenheim’s fate for next season is not certain. It can only get better, as there is a chance Hoffenheim receives a spot in next season’s Europa League. If Bayer Leverkusen wins this weekend’s DFB-Pokal Final over Kaiserslautern, the team finishing seven earns a spot in the secondary European competition. The reason is that the winner of the DFB-Pokal earns a spot in the Europa League. Leverkusen, which finished atop the Bundesliga table, earned a spot in the UEFA Champions League. That Europa League position gets passed to the team finishing seventh. Consequently, the Conference League Spot Hoffenheim currently occupies falls to Heidenheim in eighth. </p>



<p>Therefore, Leverkusen will have two massive supporters when it plays Kaiserslautern. Not only is Heidenheim hoping to clinch a European spot for the first time in the club’s history. Hoffenheim can continue to grow under Pellegrino Matarazzo, who has clearly emerged as one of the best American coaches in soccer.</p>



<p>Hoffenheim has been a team showing potential over one-and-a-half years with Matarazzo. Initially off to a rough start with five losses in a row, Matarazzo steadied the ship and forced some strong results in the Bundesliga. Seventeen points from the team’s last 10 games pulled the side from the bottom of the league to 12th. That included a draw against Bayern Munich and a 3-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240520_WST_508083_Pellegrino-Matarazzo-Hoffenheim-1-1200x670_9bb710c7.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-508086" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Pellegrino-Matarazzo-Hoffenheim-1-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Pellegrino-Matarazzo-Hoffenheim-1-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Pellegrino-Matarazzo-Hoffenheim-1-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Pellegrino-Matarazzo-Hoffenheim-1.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Hoffenheim European qualification shows Matarazzo’s ability</h2>



<p>This season, Hoffenheim has been one of the thorns in the side of the best clubs. Leverkusen struggled against Hoffenheim, but Xabi Alonso’s side did win both games with late goals. A 4-2 win over Bayern Munich on the final matchday topped off a phenomenal season. Likewise, Hoffenheim picked up wins over Borussia Dortmund, Stuttgart and other teams finishing in the top half of the Bundesliga table. </p>



<p>These performances have allowed Matarazzo’s stock to rise. While other American coaches have floundered, Matarazzo has done well. Jesse Marsch struggled in the Bundesliga, Gregg Berhalter leaves American fans frustrated with lackluster performances and Jim Curtin has only experienced Major League Soccer. Those were the three names that looked the most likely to take over the USMNT job, at least among the Americans.</p>



<p>That leaves it especially puzzling that the United States failed to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/bundesliga-coach-matarazzo-interested-in-usmnt-job-20230416-WST-428688.html">properly consider Matarazzo</a>. When <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd3bcQAV9g4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">talking to ESPN</a>, the Hoffenheim manager said US Soccer contacted him. Yet, that seems to be the extent of the process in analyzing Matarazzo as a replacement for Berhalter. </p>



<p>Hoffenheim will not be a club to complain. Despite spending just $45 million this season on transfers, Hoffenheim saw massive improvement offensively. The club scored 19 more goals than it did last season, even if the defensive performances have tapered off.</p>



<p>Should the club continue this development, and earn a spot in next season’s Europa League, Matarazzo could impress clubs looking for a new manager.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>

Hoffenheim close to European qualification thanks to US coach

Under the leadership of Pellegrino Matarazzo, Hoffenheim has earned European qualification for the first time since the 2019/20 campaign.


<p>It has been nine months since an American coach served as a manager of a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> club. In the grand scheme of things, that is not an overly long time. There have only been three American managers in Premier League history. The most recent was Jesse Marsch, who succeeded Bob Bradley and David Wagner. Each of those three struggled in the English top flight. They added to the stigma that an American coach cannot make it work in the Premier League.</p>



<p>That generalization will fall eventually. American coaches are growing in frequency in Europe. Also, the continued development of American coaches in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">Major League Soccer</a> will extend into Europe. There are already a handful of managers plying their trade in Europe with American backgrounds. </p>



<p>Wagner remains in England with Championship side Norwich City. New Jersey native Pellegrino Matarazzo is overseeing Hoffenheim with relative success after a strong stint with Stuttgart. Then, Bob Bradley remains in Europe with Norwegian club Stabæk. Stabæk is currently battling relegation in the Eliteserien. The Premier League hires managers from varying backgrounds. However, none of the current American bosses in Europe seem to be on the cusp of a Premier League move. </p>



<p>The most likely option remains Jesse Marsch, who has been out of a job since Leeds let the American go last season before relegation. Marsch had <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/jesse-marsch-on-the-shortlist-for-european-job-20230421-WST-429426.html">links to several European clubs</a> including <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/southampton-target-jesse-marsch-while-us-soccer-dawdles-20230213-WST-419654.html">Southampton</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/jesse-marsch-in-talks-with-leicester-says-report-20230407-WST-427224.html">Leicester City</a> last season in the Premier League. Neither of those panned out. Consequently, the status of an American coach in the Premier League stalled.</p>



<h2>What must change for an American coach in the Premier League?</h2>



<p>The first major step would be improving the quality of coaches. Having so few coaches in Europe would be a testament to the quality of American coaches. Gregg Berhalter, despite widespread disagreement on his ability as a coach, presented one of the best chances for an American coach to make the move over to Europe. Berhalter had links to the vacant Swansea job when he was not under contract with US Soccer. Still, the Championship is far different from the Premier League.</p>



<p>Jesse Marsch could provide an example of how more coaches could get to the Premier League. As the head coach of the New York Red Bulls, Marsch entered the Red Bull coaching tree. That allowed him to move to RB Salzburg, where he was successful. Champions League and domestic success in Austria allowed him to rise the ranks in Red Bull again with a move to RB Leipzig. Regardless of his record in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/bundesliga-tv-schedule/">Bundesliga</a>, he at least did enough to woo the interest of Premier League sides.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231023_WST_464117_Pellegrino-Matarazzo-Hoffenheim-1200x675.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-464125" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/Pellegrino-Matarazzo-Hoffenheim-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/Pellegrino-Matarazzo-Hoffenheim-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/Pellegrino-Matarazzo-Hoffenheim-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/Pellegrino-Matarazzo-Hoffenheim.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div><figcaption>Pellegrino Matarazzo of Hoffenheim is putting together a strong 2023/24 season in the Bundesliga.</figcaption></figure>



<p>Matarazzo at Hoffenheim presents a chance for an American coach in the Premier League should a club come calling. Still, with more frequency from coaches, Matarazzo and Marsch will not be rare occurrences. </p>



<h2>MLS can be a major tool for coaches</h2>



<p>If Marsch proves anything, it is that MLS coaches have what it takes to be strong coaches in Europe. Currently, Major League Soccer has several coaches who have had strong careers at their respective clubs. For example, Jim Curtin was in the running for the USMNT job. He has built himself into one of the high-profile coaches in Major League Soccer. However, he has spent his entire soccer career in the United States. European clubs and the Premier League may worry about an American coach who has only been in the American game.</p>



<p>However, if Curtin, or a coach like Josh Wolff of Austin FC or Steve Cherundolo of LAFC, can make a move to Europe, they may open the door for more MLS coaches to have a future down the road that may reach the Premier League.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images</em>.</p>


When will an American coach crack the Premier League?

Jesse Marsch, David Wagner and Bob Bradley did not thrive in the Premier League, but Will we ever see an American coach thrive there?


<p>Hoffenheim coach Pellegrino Matarazzo has expressed passive interest in the US Men’s National Team (<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/usmnt-gets-drawn-easier-gold-cup-group-than-rivals-20230415-WST-428613.html">USMNT</a>) job.</p>



<p>The 45-year-old spoke to ESPN’s German analyst Archie Rhind-Tutt following his side’s 1-1 draw against Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich on Saturday.</p>



<p>In the post-match interview, when asked about the USMNT head coach job, the Hoffenheim manager said, “We’ll see, where this (Hoffenheim) job takes me; I’m open for many paths, at the moment I’m very happy to be here, at some point, I do feel like it’s time to give back to soccer in the States but when that time will be we’ll see.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“I’m open for many, many paths…at some point, I do feel like it’s time to give back to soccer in the 🇺🇸.”<br><br>I asked Hoffenheim coach Pellegrino Matarazzo if one day, he would want the USMNT head coach job. Excellent result at Bayern today. <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESPNFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/JqlBJkDbWZ">pic.twitter.com/JqlBJkDbWZ</a></p>— Archie Rhind-Tutt (@archiert1) <a href="https://twitter.com/archiert1/status/1647299398936719360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h5>Matarazzo career story</h5>



<p>Born in New Jersey, <a href="https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/pellegrino-matarazzo-who-is-hoffenheim-s-new-american-coach-julian-nagelsmann-9028" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matarazzo</a> played college soccer for the Columbia Lions before relocating to Germany. </p>



<p>His coaching career started in Nurnberg and then moved to Hoffenheim where he spent more than two years as a youth and assistant coach at Hoffenheim from 2017 through 2019. </p>



<p>He took over the reins at Stuttgart, leading the club back to the Bundesliga and kept them in the top flight for two seasons before being fired in October last year after a winless start.</p>



<h5>Hoffenheim coach shaped by Nagelsmann</h5>



<p>Hoffenheim hired Matarazzo in February after firing Andre Breitenreiter, who left the club after just seven months in charge. </p>



<p>Matarazzo has done a creditable job guiding the club to midtable, where they lie 13th, having won three of their last five league games.</p>



<p>Shaped by Julian Nagelsmann’s ideologies, the American is now making a name for himself with an attractive brand of free-flowing football. </p>



<p>He is still a young coach, and his CV may not be glittering. Thus, seeing if he is considered for the national job will be interesting.</p>



<p>Earlier Marcelo Bielsa was also linked to the position, but the Argentina has now taken over as the head coach of Uruguay. </p>



<p>Anthony Hudson has taken over in an interim role with Gregg Berhalter’s future in serious doubt after recent off-field accusations.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / Action Pictures</p>


Hoffenheim coach Pellegrino Matarazzo has expressed passive interest in the US Men's National Team (USMNT) job.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Pellegrino Matarazzo"

News

Matarazzo on Hoffenheim hot seat as American coaches flounder

News

Pochettino, Tuchel tipped for England job as US Soccer looks on

News

USMNT: Bundesliga coach's name rises to prominence

Copa America 2024

Top 3 candidates to replace USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter

News

Hoffenheim close to European qualification thanks to US coach

Jesse Marsch

When will an American coach crack the Premier League?

Hoffenheim

Bundesliga coach Matarazzo interested in USMNT job