Marcelo Bielsa linked to USMNT head coach position: Report

According to a report from broadcaster Telemundo, former Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is being considered for the vacant head coach role of the US men’s national team.

The story cites Bleacher Report claiming that Bielsa’s playing style of keeping possession and relentless pressing will suit the USMNT.

This comes just days after Bielsa had agreed to become Mexico’s new head coach, but a newly formed committee of club owners decided against appointing the Argentine.

Bielsa has been out of coaching since February 2022, when he left Leeds after establishing cult status at the Yorkshire club.

The 67-year-old hasn’t been short of offers and most recently declined to take up the Everton job claiming the current Toffees team was ‘too slow’ to suit his approach and tactical of play.

The Toffees approached the Argentine after they fired Frank Lampard following a horrendous run of form, which sees them sit 19th in the Premier League standings and flirting with relegation.

Bielsa flew to London earlier this past week on Thursday to hold talks with the Everton officials and offered to work with the Under-21s until the end of the season before stepping up to the first team.

However, Bielsa’s proposition was rejected as Everton is now close to appointing Sean Dyche as their new manager.

Bielsa’s link to the USMNT job seems to be an exciting proposition.

With Gregg Berhalter’s future in serious doubt after recent off-field accusations, Anthony Hudson has taken the interim role.

Hudson had previously visited Bielsa’s home in Rosario, Argentina, to seek advice. He often claims that his trip to South America shaped his role as a coach in the football world.

However, as is with every Bielsa team, the foundations and tactics are well established. The focus is always on principles of structure, strict tactical organization and relentless pressing off the ball.

Berhalter’s side had shown glimpses of the same philosophy at the recently concluded World Cup in Qatar before they crashed out in the Round of 16 against the Netherlands.

While Bielsa’s principles can be emulated at the club level, where managers have much more time with the players, it remains to be seen if Bielsa does take a national team job.

His last role in a country setup was a very successful stint in Chile from 2007-11.

Photo credit: IMAGO / News Images