According to several reports from Germany, U.S. Soccer has interest in the New Jersey-born manager to replace Gregg Berhalter
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USMNT currently without head coachU.S. Soccer approaches MatarazzoHoffenheim boss reportedly interestedWHAT HAPPENED?
U.S. Soccer has approached 46-year-old Hoffenheim manager Pellegrino Matarazzo about its men's national team coaching vacancy, according to reports from Kicker and BILD.
The reports adds that Matarazzo, who was born and raised in New Jersey, is interested in the opportunity, although nothing is yet definitive. After a shakeup in the front office of the Bundesliga side this summer, Matarazzo could be looking for an exit.
Sporting Director Alexander Rosen departed the club earlier this summer due to dissatisfaction with preparations for the upcoming campaign, according to the report, and Matarazzo – who was backed by Rosen – could follow suit.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Following Gregg Berhalter's firing in the wake of a disappointing Copa America showing, U.S. Soccer has been searching for its next men's national team manager.
The likes of Jurgen Klopp, Rafa Benitez, Steve Cherundolo, Wilfried Nancy and Luis De la Fuente have all been mentioned as potential candidates. France's U23 Olympic manager Thierry Henry has also been speculated. Klopp turned down U.S. Soccer's approach.
Sky Germany report that they have confirmed Matarazzo and U.S. Soccer's mutual interest, but state that no offer has been made.
DID YOU KNOW?
Matarazzo and fellow American Jesse Marsch – now Canada's manager – knew each other in their younger days. Born in New Jersey, Matarazzo moved to Europe to play in Germany’s lower divisions. After retirement, Matarazzo turned to coaching, taking the lead role at Stuttgart in 2019. Most recently led Hoffenheim to a seventh-place Bundesliga finish.
Matarazzo, who played at Columbia University before forging his path in Germany as a player and coach, has said that Italian soccer, not German soccer, was the mainstay in the Matarazzo house, as his family is made up of Napoli fans.
He also credited former Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls coach Phil Jackson as having been an influence, saying “It would be nice to meet Phil Jackson at some point in time. I have read his books and I am very fascinated by his approach."
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT
U.S. Soccer has yet to appoint a new manager, but sporting director Matt Crocker has stated that the federation is looking to hire Berhalter's replacement before the September international window – the U.S. has a pair of international friendlies against Canada and New Zealand.