Los Angeles FC head coach Steve Cherundolo has attempted to distance himself from speculation over the U.S. national team job, saying “this is a business that’s not plan-able.”
Cherundolo has impressed in his first MLS season, leading LAFC to the Supporters’ Shield as well as the MLS Cup final, where his side will take on the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.
The 43-year-old served as an assistant coach in Germany after his playing career ended before taking on his first head coaching role with USL Championship side Las Vegas Lights in 2021.
Cherundolo’s rapid ascent through the coaching ranks combined with his long and successful career in the Bundesliga and with the USMNT has led to talk he could be a future head coach for the national team.
But Cherundolo aimed to downplay that speculation at Friday’s pre-match press conference ahead of MLS Cup.
“I’m really focused on LAFC right now,” Cherundolo said. “This is a business where it’s not plan-able, it really isn’t. I wouldn’t have thought I’d be sitting here. Two years ago I was just outside Hannover, mowing my lawn. So it’s really difficult to plan things in this industry.
“What comes next will come next, but right now, myself and the rest of the staff is laser focused on winning the game tomorrow.”
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