Today’s USMNT news includes the remarkable reports that Gregg Berhalter is set to return to his role as head coach for the Stars and Stripes. Elsewhere, Folarin Balogun has been linked with Inter Milan and Jozy Altidore could be on his way to Greece.
USMNT news: Gregg Berhalter returns
The USMNT beat Mexico 3-0 last night in a match that was marred by homophobic chants and both sides being reduced to nine men. However, what everyone is talking about is the return of a former head coach to the Stars and Stripes.
The Athletic revealed that “Gregg Berhalter is set to return as coach of the U.S. men’s national team… The deal is still being finalized, but Berhalter’s return is imminent.”
Berhalter coming back is a surprise to many given the baggage that he now carries with him after what happened with Gio Reyna’s parents after the World Cup. However, Berhalter did a good job with the side by getting them to the round of 16 in Qatar. The manager has also been publicly backed by USMNT players including Christian Pulisic who scored twice against the Mexicans.
Also, in Berhalter’s absence, the interim coaches who were part of his staff did well. Anthony Hudson steadied the ship and under him, the USMNT recruited Folarin Balogun. B.J. Callaghan has only been in charge for one game but the convincing victory over El Tri in the semi-finals of the Nations League is a very good start.
The response to Berhalter’s return will be mixed and there is a lot that needs to be sorted out. A new assistant will need to be appointed as Hudson has now left to join the Qatari side Al-Markhiya S.C. The incident with Reyna needs to be put behind them but also Berhalter’s relationship with players that he left out of the World Cup roster needs to be fixed.
USMNT news: Folarin Balogun to Inter Milan
Folarin Balogun made his USMNT debut against Mexico, where he played 75 minutes but did not get on the scoresheet. His replacement, Ricardo Pepi, did find the back of the net. Pepi showed that the Stars and Stripes cannot forget about him despite the recent recruitment of Balogun.
It is great for U.S. Soccer to have competition for the starting number nine role. The players’ club form will have a big impact on who leads the line. However, Balogun’s future is still up in the air despite many teams being linked with him.
A move to Italy could be on the cards for the forward. Sky Sports have reported that “Inter Milan are interested in signing Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun. They are expected to formally approach Arsenal over a potential deal.”
USMNT news: Jozy Altidore to Greece
Former USMNT forward Jozy Altidore has left the New England Revolution. The club announced on revolutionsoccer that they “have released forward Jozy Altidore and exercised the club’s one buyout on the player’s Salary Budget charge.”
Altidore is now 33 and according to Transfermarkt “Altidore is now linked with a move to Greek clubs PAOK and AEK Athens.” A return to European soccer would be a good way for Altidore to see out his final years as a professional player.
