Would Steve Cherundolo be the savior or Gregg 2.0?

It’s a balmy summer evening, the kind where the air clings to your skin and makes your shirt stick to your back. You’re at a barbecue, surrounded by friends, cold beer in hand. The conversation, inevitably turns to soccer. “Imagine if Steve Cherundolo took over the USMNT,” someone says, half-jokingly, half-hopefully. You pause, beer halfway to your lips, and consider the possibility. What would life be like for USMNT fans if Dolo was at the helm?

Straight up - he is not my top pick for this role or even in the top three, but he deserves objective study reports are to be believed he’s the frontrunner for the USMNT job.

The Cherundolo Effect

First, let’s talk about Steve Cherundolo, the man, the myth, the legend. For the uninitiated, Cherundolo is a bona fide American soccer hero. He spent the entirety of his playing career in Germany with Hannover 96, amassing over 400 appearances and earning the nickname “Mayor of Hannover.” His calm, composed demeanor and soccer IQ made him a fan favorite and a natural leader on and off the field.

Since hanging up his boots, Cherundolo has turned his attention to coaching. He cut his teeth with Hannover’s youth teams, then moved on to roles with Stuttgart and LAFC, where he’s currently winning... a lot. Known for his tactical acumen, player management skills, and ability to get a lot out of highly-compensated and skilled squads, Cherundolo is a rising star in the coaching world. Keyword here being rising, if he were to be the next USMNT manager many would point to his lack of experience and uncanny similarities to Gregg Berhalter circa 2018. So, what would it look like if he took the reins of the USMNT?

Tactical Revolution

Let’s get one thing straight: Cherundolo isn’t a miracle worker. He won’t suddenly turn the USMNT into world beaters overnight. But his approach to the game could bring a much-needed tactical revolution to the team. Cherundolo’s coaching philosophy is built on a foundation of solid defense and quick, incisive counterattacks. His teams are disciplined, organized, and difficult to break down.

Imagine a USMNT that no longer concedes silly goals due to defensive lapses. Picture a backline that moves as a cohesive unit, cutting off passing lanes and forcing opponents into mistakes. With Cherundolo in charge, the USMNT could become a fortress, frustrating even the most potent of attacking sides and mirroring the best of our 2002-2010 identity.

But it’s not just about defense. Cherundolo’s teams are lethal on the break. He has a knack for identifying and utilizing players who can transition from defense to attack in the blink of an eye. Think Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna leading lightning-fast counterattacks, with Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams bossing the midfield. It’s a really interesting prospect, isn’t it?

Currently in MLS, LAFC is third in the Supporter Shield table, but they are 18th in average possession (48.3%). This is a very different setup from the positional play we’ve seen for the five years of Gregg Berhalter’s reign.

However, international football requires a high degree of tactical flexibility. The USMNT faces a wide variety of opponents, from the high-pressing styles of European teams to the compact, defensive setups of smaller CONCACAF nations. I think for any manager one of the hardest parts of coaching this team is that you have to be a possession-based team against minnows and a quick counter-attack team against the top 10.

If Cherundolo is unable or unwilling to adapt his tactics to suit different opponents, the team could struggle. For instance, playing a counterattacking style against a team that also sits deep and defends could result in a stalemate, with neither team willing to take the initiative.

Player Development

Cherundolo’s reputation as a player whisperer precedes him. He has a proven track record of developing young talent and helping players reach their full potential. Under his guidance, players like Ricardo Pepi, Yunus Musah, and so many other USMNT youngsters could flourish, taking their games to new heights.

Moreover, Cherundolo’s experience in Germany means he knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level. As a player he was one of the first truly Euro-based USMNTers eventually winning the captaincy and earning over 400 caps for Hannover in the German Bundesliga. He can impart invaluable knowledge to his players, teaching them the nuances of the game that only come with experience. It will be overlooked because Gregg was in the same USMNT squad as Cherundolo, but his presence alone could inspire just a bit more than Berhalter.

A New Culture

One of the biggest criticisms of the USMNT in recent years has been the lack of a clear identity. Are we a possession-based team? A counterattacking team? A high-pressing team? With Cherundolo in charge, the USMNT could finally establish a coherent playing style that reflects the strengths of American soccer.

Cherundolo’s teams play with a certain swagger, a confidence that comes from knowing they’re well-drilled and well-prepared. He instills a winning mentality in his players, encouraging them to embrace challenges and never back down. This cultural shift could have a transformative effect on the USMNT, turning them into a team that plays with passion, pride, and purpose.

Fan Engagement