When Gregg Berhalter held his first press conference at manager of the US Men’s National Team, he layed out his vision for his tenure as head coach.
“What we’re looking to do,” he said, “is change the way the world views American soccer.
Well Gregg, I think you fell way short of that goal
Amidst cries for a new manager, Berhalter managed to advance through the group stages, to the surprise of several pundits professional and amateur alike.
The playing in staff in the current US Men’s setup is arguably the best it’s ever been, with 5 starters in the Premier League in the ranks, (well, if you include Weston McKenni)
The likes of captain Tyler Adams, Tim Ream, Yunus Musah, Tim Weah, and star man Christian Pulisic are all finding success in Europe.
However, it became clear just how this US Men’s side stacks up against the rest of the elite footballing nations, in the Round of 16, when we lost handedly to a Dutch side that never got out of first gear. At the first sign of life in the Red White and Blue, the Netherlands immediately marched right back down the field and scored a third goal, to finish the match off 3-1
Effectively, Berhalter did absolutely nothing to change the way ANYONE thought about American soccer. The highlights of his tenure include a draw against Mexico at the Azteca, which is fine, but not particularly impressive, a Gold Cup triumph, again, one of the more unprestigious trophies in World Football, and a famous 2-0 win over Mexico to secure World Cup Qualification. #Dos-A-Cerro
The recent blow up with the Reyna family, for which we offer a very in depth video, has seen Berhalter’s stock drop to the lowest it’s ever been, which is really saying something.
At the current moment, fans are calling for a replacement. The USSF even reportedly reached out to Zidedine Zidane, which is an ambitious but positive sign.
However there are more realistic targets out there.
While there are numerous supporters calling out for the signing of Luis Enrique, Thomas Tuchel, and Mauricio Pochettino, we’ve identified a more realistic option, who would still be truly perfect for this current crop of player. That man, is none other, than Chris Hughton
Who is Chris Hughton?
Many of you may never have heard of Chris Hughton, but rest assured is resume is glittered with undervalued achievements.
Playing at Tottenham throughout the 80s, Hughton also managed 53 caps for the Republic of Ireland, scoring 13 times for club and country. The latter end of his career saw Hughton playing in lower divisions, where he learned just what it took to garner promotion, and play a physical a game
As a player, he knows both the club and the international game inside and out.
While this doesn’t necessarily make for a great manager, in Hughton’s case, he offers plenty of managerial experience as well
Throughout the 90s and early 2000s, Hughton worked as a coach and assistant manager for both Tottenham and the Irish setup, operating as a caretaker manager for the former more than once.
Eventually, he made his way to Tyneside, working as a coach in Newcastle United’s staff, and was appointed caretaker manager in 2009. Two manager of the month awards to open the 2009 campaign in the Championship, saw Hughton earn the spot permanently
Throughout the rest of the year, Newcastle went unbeaten at home, and secured promotion back to the Premier League in record fashion.
He earned plaudits from the fans and players alike, becoming renowned for a calm, unifying presence as head coach and manager. The players loved him, and he oversaw much stability during his permanent spell as Newcastle United boss. However, he was sacked midway through the 2010-11 season, which sparked much outrage among the playing staff and the supporter base.
He quickly took over at Birmingham City, and oversaw their first European Campaign in 50 years. Hughton led the West Midlands club to the group stages of the Europa League, and a 4th placed finish in the Championship. They were unfortunate to lose to Blackpool in the semi finals of the promotion play offs
He was given permission by the club to talk to newly promoted Norwich, who brought the manager in in 2011-12. His early days with Norwich were marked by wins against Manchester United, Arsenal, and a League Cup victory over Tottenham
His first campaign with Norwich saw the Canaries finish in a shocking 11th place, despite battling relegation all season. This shows he knows how to get to his players and get the best from them, even when the pressure is on.
In 2014, Hughton took over the job at Brighton and Hove Albion, then in the Championship. In 2016-17, Hughton led Brighton to the second place in the Championship, after losing the crown on the final day to Newcastle due to a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, and the club was automatically promoted.
The next year, Brighton’s first ever in the Premier League, saw Hughton become the first black manager ever to win the EPL’s Manager of the Month award.He also guided the club to safety with a 15th place finish, courtesy of a 1-0 win over Manchester United
Despite again achieving safety in 2018-19, Hughton was released from the club when they finished the campaign 17th, 2 points from relegation. He was replaced, by Graham Potter.
Chris Hughton then had a year and one month stint at Nottingham Forest. During his first year, Forest were renowned for their defensive stability, but struggled to score goals regularly. His second year saw him forced to turn the squad over significantly, a problem Nottingham Forest have faced recurringly over the past few years, and he was sacked one month into the 2021-22 campaign. Nottingham Forest would go on to gain Premier League promotion through the playoffs
Following his dismissal from Nottingham Forest, Hughton joined the Ghanaian national team setup as an assistan coach, and helped the Black Stars secure qualification to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. This experience surely showed Hughton the intricacies and details of the game at an international level
He is currently without work
Why Hughton is perfect for the USMNT job
As you can see, Hughton has spent his career working hard, against the grain often with his back to the wall and with little resources at his disposal. This has molded him into a resourceful, intelligent tactician, but his main attribute is his man management abilities. Every where he goes, his players love him, and the supporters often warm to him as well. This quality is MASSIVE in the international game, where managers go months at a time without talking to their players face to face. They have to be able to get personable with them, and inspire them to fight for the badge every 90 minutes that they can
We can also look north, at the Canadian national team. John Herdman, is another Englishman in charge of a North American side, and has seen incredible success with significantly less resources than the USA. When Herdman took over the Maple Leafs, they were ranked 72nd in the world. After the World Cup, they are currently ranked 33rd.
It seems that the best option available for the USA is to hire a foreign born manager. Someone who knows the game in a way that no American manager currently does. There just isn’t enough experience in the USA managerial talent pool to guide the Stars and Stripes to a successful World Cup cycle.
Chris Hughton may not be the flashiest name on the block, but he has oodles of experience that few other candidates do, and unlike the Tuchels and Zidanes of the world, he is actually attainable.
If the USA wants to change the way the world thinks about American soccer, they must first change the way Americans think about American soccer
Chris Hughton MUST be the man to do that. He has experience all throughout the English league pyramid, has helped with successful underdog international campaigns, and has found ways to get his players to dig deep with their backs against the wall, and find their inner steel.
His promotional campaigns at two different current Premier League staples are remarkable. Ghana should never qualified over countries like Nigeria, Egypt, and the Ivory Coast. Norwich, Brighton, and Nottingham Forest were all able to stave off otherwise certain relegation circumstances.
What is the common thread amidst all of theses achievements… Chris Hughton.
