Former United States coach Gregg Berhalter is being considered for the vacant managerial job at Eredivisie side Sparta Rotterdam. According to sources, the job became available after Maurice Steijn left to become the manager at Ajax Amsterdam. Berhalter has a connection to Sparta, having played there from 1996 to 1998. Additionally, he has had experience as a player with PEC Zwolle and SC Cambuur.
Club América also in talks with Berhalter
Berhalter is also in preliminary talks with Club América, the Liga MX giants, to fill their managerial vacancy ahead of the new Apertura season, which begins on June 30. The team’s president, Santiago Baños, has traveled to Europe to offer the job to both Javier Aguirre and Diego Alonso, but they have not been able to finalize a deal with either candidate. As a result, former Tijuana and Celta Vigo coach Eduardo Coudet has been offered to América’s executive board as an option. Andre Jardine, current Atlético San Luis manager, is also still in the running to be the club’s coach.
Berhalter in limbo since the end of 2022
Berhalter, 49, has been without a job since the end of 2022 when his contract with the U.S. Soccer Federation expired following an investigation into a domestic violence incident from 1992 involving him and his now wife Rosalind when the two were students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The investigation concluded that the Berhalters responded truthfully during the investigation, confirming that the incident took place, with the USSF stating that Berhalter was still a candidate to resume his post as U.S. manager.
Berhalter’s record with the U.S. was 37-11-12, and included triumphs at the 2021 Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup. He also led the U.S. to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup, where they lost 3-1 to the Netherlands. Berhalter has also managed Hammarby IF in Sweden and MLS side the Columbus Crew.
The U.S. post remains open, with first Anthony Hudson, and now B.J. Callaghan, serving in an interim capacity. The federation expects to name a coach by the end of the summer.
In addition to his spells in the Netherlands, Berhalter had stints as a player with Crystal Palace, Energie Cottbus, 1860 Munich, and the LA Galaxy. At an international level, Berhalter made 44 appearances for the U.S. and was part of squads at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.
News of América’s interest in Berhalter was first reported by TUDN, while Sparta Rotterdam’s approach was initially reported by Rijnmond Sport. According to sources, Berhalter remains a candidate for the vacant managerial posts at both clubs.
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