US coach Emma Hayes gives instructions in the last friendly against South Korea. GETTY IMAGES.

The newly appointed United States women's national team coach sidestepped a controversial question in a press conference regarding a potential salary increase if a top world strategist like Jürgen Klopp is named coach of the men's team.

Whenever there's a setback in sports, solutions start to emerge. Despite nurturing a generation of great talents, the USMNT crashed out spectacularly in the Copa América despite playing at home, leading to a string of concerns and controversies surrounding the potential new coach following Berhalter's failure.

Gregg Berhalter's days are numbered. While he still has an active contract, he could be fired, according to voices within the organization. He is undoubtedly in the crosshairs of leaving his position as head coach, with the aim of having his replacement craft an attractive and new project for the 2026 World Cup, which the United States will co-host with Canada and Mexico.

This is where the figure of German coach Jürgen Klopp comes into play, gaining prominence as a fan favorite and a candidate for the USMNT bench after the collapse in the Copa América, where the Stars and Stripes failed to advance past the group stage.



Just weeks ago, Klopp parted ways with Liverpool after nearly a decade in charge of the Reds. However, his name is highlighted among a broad list of available candidates. However, it must be said that these are just rumours, as Klopp has insisted on "taking a break" after a long and successful journey with Liverpool. He is now based in Mallorca, where he lives with his partner, enjoying the peace and quiet without football.

Recently, the coach of the USWNT, Briton Emma Hayes, ignored a question in a press conference about whether she should receive a raise if a high-priced star like Jürgen Klopp is hired, given the equal pay framework that exists between both the women's and men's teams in the United States Soccer Federation.


Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers. GETTY IMAGES.
Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers. GETTY IMAGES.


Hayes didn't want to delve into a tricky scenario that could backfire on her in the future and simply reminded the press that "I am focused on preparing the team for this week's training camp. I need to think about that and, above all, my performance with this team in these Olympic Games."

Trying to downplay the issue, the FIFA Best Women's Coach in 2021 during her tenure at Chelsea F.C., concluded her speech decisively: "As far as matters related to the men's team and gender equality are concerned, they are not issues for me at the moment, knowing that my absolute focus is on this week's preparation," Hayes explained ahead of the Olympic commitment.