The next head coach for the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) could come from the German Bundesliga.
Pellegrino Matarazzo, the current manager of Hoffenheim, has reportedly been offered the position by US Soccer, as per German news outlets Kicker and Bild.
This news comes amid a turbulent period for the USMNT; they are seeking a fresh start following a disappointing performance at the 2024 Copa America.
Born in Wayne, New Jersey, to Italian immigrants, Matarazzo has a unique background that blends American roots with extensive European experience.
He attended Columbia University, graduating with a degree in applied mathematics. Then, he embarked on a professional soccer career in Germany in 2000.
His playing career spanned various low-level professional teams, with the highest level being Germany’s third division.
Matarazzo’s transition from player to coach began at Nurnberg, where he was both a player and an assistant coach for the reserve team.
His coaching career gained significant traction when he became roommates with Julian Nagelsmann, in 2015. Matarazzo later joined Nagelsmann’s staff at Hoffenheim, starting as a youth coach and eventually becoming his assistant.
Coaching career and style
Matarazzo’s managerial career took off when Stuttgart hired him in December 2019. He led them to promotion from the second division to the Bundesliga, where they finished ninth in their first season back. Despite a challenging second season, where Stuttgart narrowly avoided relegation,
Matarazzo’s tenure was marked by his ability to develop young talent and implement a high-pressing, counter-attacking style of play. After leaving Die Roten, Matarazzo returned to Hoffenheim as head coach in February 2023. Under his leadership, Hoffenheim finished seventh in the Bundesliga; securing a spot in the UEFA Europa League for the 2024-25 season.
The 45-year-old’s preferred formation is a 3-5-2, and his coaching philosophy…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/usmnt-bundesliga-coachs-name-rises-to-prominence/
Author : Martina Alcheva
Publish date : 2024-08-04 18:19:45
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