Steve Cherundolo wants you to know he’s not in the running to be the U.S. men’s national team head coach.
The Los Angeles FC boss dismissed rumors linking him to the open USMNT position during a Tuesday press conference ahead of his side’s game against the Houston Dynamo.
“The reports are completely fabricated and false. That’s all I can say about that,” said Cherundolo. “I’m committed to LAFC and I plan on being here a long time.”
Cherundolo’s 13-year career as a widely respected USMNT player, combined with LAFC’s instant success after hiring the 44-year-old, had been factors fostering a certain amount of buzz around him as U.S. Soccer entered its sixth month without a permanent head coach.
His first year with LAFC saw his side win MLS Cup and the Supporters’ Shield, while they went to the most recent CONCACAF Champions League final before falling to Club León. Cherundolo’s competitive record with the club stands at an impressive 36W-13D-16L.
That buzz took on a new form after two different reports on Tuesday. Another former USMNT defender, Heath Pearce, said Cherundolo was on the list of interviewees on an episode of the In Soccer We Trust podcast. Meanwhile, Fox Sports reported that U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker had already interviewed “more than 10” candidates, including multiple domestic options.
Cherundolo removes himself from contention
Cherundolo’s flat denial that he is in the mix to take over the USMNT still leaves a long list of candidates with a more tangible link to the position.
Hoffenheim manager and New Jersey native Pellegrino Matarazzo has expressed interest in taking the job some day, while France legend Thierry Henry openly mused on the prospect of being the USMNT’s next head coach. Gregg Berhalter’s return remains on the table, with Christian Pulisic among the players backing a continuation of his tenure.
There has been plenty of speculation linking Jesse Marsch to the job, given that the ex-Leeds coach is unemployed and has had serious talks with Crocker over a head coaching job in the past, but if U.S. Soccer wants to go that route, they better move quickly. Marsch has been linked with the manager positions at both Celtic and Monaco, and in general seems to be an in-demand coach who will have plenty of options throughout the summer.
In the meantime, the U.S. will head into Thursday’s CONCACAF Nations League semifinal with interim boss B.J. Callaghan in charge, and figures to play the upcoming Gold Cup under his stewardship. Callaghan is the second interim head coach to hold the job since Berhalter’s contract ran out, with Anthony Hudson’s term lasting a few months before he was hired by Qatari club Al Markhiya.
[lawrence-related id=21571,21469,21219]