Former Real Madrid and Chelsea head coach has emerged as one of the candidates poised to take on the role of the head coach of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT).
Following the dismissal of Gregg Berhalter, several potential candidates have emerged for the head coach position of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT).
The decision to sack Berhalter came less than two weeks after the team’s disappointing elimination from the Copa America group stage on home soil.
According to CBS Sports Golazo contributor Guillem Balague, former Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez, who recently managed Celta Vigo, has shown interest thereby emerging as one of the options for the role of coach in the USMNT.
Benitez has even reportedly spoken with U.S. international Luca De La Torre, whom he coached at Celta Vigo.
With upcoming friendly matches against Canada and New Zealand scheduled for September, the USMNT is looking to make a swift appointment to replace Berhalter.
Jurgen Klopp was initially considered a potential candidate but declined the opportunity. Other names in the mix include Strasbourg’s Patrick Vieira and LAFC’s Steve Cherundolo.
The USMNT struggled in the group stage, managing only one win out of three matches and losing to both Panama and Uruguay, ultimately finishing behind them.
Rafael Benítez, the Spanish football manager, has an impressive managerial career spanning several clubs. Check out Benitez’s coaching stats:
Celta de Vigo (2023/24): Managed 33 matches, with a points-per-match (PPM) of 1.09.
Everton (2021/22): Managed 22 matches, achieving a PPM of 1.14.
DL Pro (2019/20): Coached for 38 matches, with a PPM of 1.16.
Newcastle United (2015/16 to 2018/19): Managed 146 matches, maintaining a PPM of 1.48.
Real Madrid (2015/16): Led the team in 25 matches, with an impressive PPM of 2.24.
SSC Napoli (2013/14 to 2014/15): Coached for 112 matches, achieving a PPM of 1.87.
Chelsea (2012/13): Managed 48 matches, maintaining a PPM of 1.96.
Inter Milan (2010/11): Coached for 25 matches, with a PPM of 1.68.
Liverpool (2004/05 to 2009/10): His longest tenure, managing 350 matches, with a PPM of 1.90.
Valencia (2001/02 to 2003/04): Coached for 159 matches, achieving a PPM of 1.92.
