Steve Cherundolo seems to be aware he is a legitimate candidate for the vacant U.S. men’s national team coaching job.
U.S. Soccer dismissed Gregg Berhalter on Wednesday, with sporting director Matt Crocker saying that a search for a new USMNT boss is already underway.
One of the leading candidates appears to be LAFC head coach Cherundolo, who has developed a strong reputation since taking over the MLS side in 2022.
The 45-year-old won MLS Cup and the Supporters’ Shield in his first season in charge, and has LAFC at the top of the Western Conference this season as well.
Cherundolo was a stalwart at right back for the USMNT for more than a decade and played his entire club career with German side Hannover 96, where he also began his coaching career.
Coincidentally, Cherundolo found himself speaking to the press on Wednesday just hours after Berhalter was fired, as LAFC defeated New Mexico United 3-1 in a U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal match.
In his post-game press conference, Cherundolo was asked about the now-vacant USMNT job, and opted to keep his answer vague.
“I think it wouldn’t be the right time to speak about other things,” he said. “I’m LAFC coach, and I am very proud to be LAFC’s coach and we have something really good going here, and we’re excited to be in the semifinals. So I understand the ask but I am going to talk about LAFC tonight.”
But when a reporter followed up by asking if Cherundolo intended to be LAFC coach for the remainder of the season, the coach let his guard slip.
“I am LAFC head coach right now and that is my job, what I do every single day,” he said, clearly fighting hard to suppress more information.
“Tomorrow morning training is at 11:15 and I will be there for that.”
Watch Cherundolo address USMNT speculation
This does not sound like someone who hasn’t had meaningful conversations about the job. #USMNT pic.twitter.com/d4RIWrlvqY
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) July 12, 2024
[lawrence-related id=77852,77602,77059]