American coach Gregg Berhalter is about to return as United States coach, six months after his departure, a source familiar with the matter told AFP on Thursday evening, confirming press information.
Berhalter, who led the United States to the round of 16 of the World Cup in Qatar, eliminated by the Netherlands, was not reappointed at the end of last year amid a a domestic violence case dating back to 1991.
The Athletic and ESPN announced Thursday at the end of the day that a formalization could take place as early as Friday. Contacted, the American federation did not wish to respond.
“I would say I have supported him in the past. If you want, today’s victory is the fruit of the work he has done in this team,” said striker Christian Pulisic after his brace against Mexico in the semi-finals of the Nations League of the Concacaf (3-0).
Alerted to an argument that occurred in 1991, during which Berhalter had kicked his future wife, Rosalind, when they were already together, the American federation entrusted an investigation to an independent law firm in January. This concluded three months later that there was “no legal obstacle” to a return of Berhalter at the head of the selection. Berhalter recognized “a shameful moment” and said “still regret today” this episode.
This case had been unearthed by the parents of player Gio Reyna, furious at their son’s low playing time and the coach’s criticism of him. Berhalter and Claudio Reyna, Giovanni’s father, played together in the youth categories, then in the national team, and their wives were roommates.
Since January, Anthony Hudson then BJ Callaghan, who were already part of the staff as assistants, have taken over.
