Berhalter Stays Resolute: U.S. Coach Reflects on Team’s Performance
In the wake of a disappointing exit in the group stage, U.S. men's national team head coach Gregg Berhalter remains unwavering in his belief that he is still the right person to lead the squad. Despite the team's early elimination, the coach reaffirmed his commitment to the U.S. program.
“Yes,” Berhalter responded emphatically when asked if he believes he is the right fit for the job. The U.S. team's performance in the tournament has certainly drawn scrutiny. Finishing third in Group C with just three points added to the growing pressure on Berhalter. With only one win, the U.S. trailed behind Uruguay, who topped the group with a perfect nine points, and Panama, who secured second place with six points.
The crucial match against Panama was a significant blow, with a 2-1 victory for Panama effectively sealing the fate of the U.S. squad. The match turned dramatic early on when Timothy Weah received a red card in the 18th minute, further compounding the challenges faced by the U.S. team.
Reflecting on the match against Panama, Berhalter admitted, “Obviously, the loss against Panama really hurt. I think when you talk about being, 80th minute, in a good position to get a draw and get something out of the game, we didn't get it.” He highlighted defensive issues, particularly in low block defending during crucial moments.
“When you look at that moment specifically, there's some issues there. I think in that game in particular, a low block defending needed to improve in that moment,” Berhalter observed. Despite the setbacks, the U.S. Soccer Federation has announced a comprehensive review of the tournament to identify where the team fell short.
Berhalter, now in his fifth year as head coach, remains focused on the broader picture, underscoring the depth and potential within the squad. “You think about the depth of the squad, the number of players that have played in games, so there's certainly improvement and we need to keep going,” he asserted. Notably, the squad included many players from the 2022 World Cup roster and boasted three players aged 30 and older, reflecting a blend of experience and youthful talent.
The coach remains optimistic, pointing out, “We're going to do a review of the whole tournament and see where we fell short. The margins are so small and there's very little separating any of these teams and you have to treat every game as the same.” This comprehensive evaluation aims to address deficiencies and build on the team's strengths.
Berhalter praised the team’s efforts, particularly against formidable opponents. “When you see the effort tonight that we put in, it's incredible. The guys did a great job. They worked extremely hard, put in a great effort against a really good team but that needs to be the standard every time we step onto the field.” His comments highlight a key area for improvement: maintaining consistent high-level performances.
Defensively, Berhalter remains confident in his team. “Defensively, we're a very good team. Most games, we have higher expected goals than the opponent. We create chances, we move the ball well. To me, the whole thing is, you want to keep moving the team forward and I feel like we have.” This perspective underscores the need for continuous progress, despite recent disappointments.
Berhalter also acknowledged the team’s shortcomings but expressed a measured perspective. “In my opinion, it's not something you say, 'Okay, this program's doomed.' It's not the case at all. It was a poor performance, we didn't get the results we expected and we need to get better.” This outlook emphasizes a commitment to development rather than an acceptance of defeat.
As discussions continue about the future of U.S. soccer and Berhalter’s role, the coach remained diplomatic when questioned about his future. “That's not up to me,” he remarked, leaving the decision to the U.S. Soccer Federation and its upcoming comprehensive review.
The road ahead for the U.S. men’s national team involves introspection and strategic adjustments. With Berhalter at the helm, there’s a focused drive to learn from recent experiences and push forward. Only time will tell if these efforts translate into the success the U.S. team and its fans aspire to achieve.