How Equal Pay Policy Is Reportedly Hindering USMNT’s Pursuit of Jurgen Klopp? US Soccer’s Major Weakness Revealed

USMNT is at a crossroads to decide its future in soccer. The USA has been changing the world’s perspective about it not being a soccer-crazy nation with increased enthusiasm for the sport and attracting huge crowds for the Copa America. However, the Stars and Stripes’ sub-par performance has been scrutinized after their exit from the group stage of the combined competition at home.

As there is shouting to change coach Gregg Berhalter and bringing in former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, experts have been discussing the hurdles in bringing him from Europe. But surprisingly, one former USMNT superstar feels that equal pay could be an issue for him to land in the US despite some keen interest shown by the Germans.

Speaking on ESPN FC’s Futbol Americas, former USMNT star Kasey Keller feels that there is only a limited amount available to sign Klopp due to equal pay in US Soccer. The former goalkeeper was asked, “So you think Klopp would not consider it not that US Soccer ?” by the reporter Sabastian Salazar, citing him to be a bit apprehensive about bringing Klopp.

Subsequently, Keller replied saying, “I think US soccer would consider a heartbeat if they could get him for 2 million,“ suggesting it to be the budget available for Klopp due to equal pay. Giving a clear context, he later said, “If we have more money for one we’ve said we will spend equal or roughly equal the amount on the other,” citing the need for balance between the men’s and women’s teams based on the available revenue.

The USA has adopted a system of equal pay for both men and women in soccer since last year. First, it started with the players as a law was also signed to ensure no discrimination was made between men and women athletes. Later, the same principle was applied by US Soccer to hire Emma Hayes for USWNT, who is reportedly receiving $2 million per year. Hence, Keller feels that that would be the same amount that would be afforded to Klopp due to the equal pay policy. However, other former stars did not think that was the issue.

Former USMNT star and experts disagree with Keller about equal pay being an issue

Keller further went on to say that spending more on Klopp could spark a reputation crisis and would mean that the US would be going back to its old system. He also stated, “One bad tournament let’s blow it out the window it no longer exists you don’t think there’s going to be any bad press for US soccer?” asking former USWNT legend Ali Krieger about her thoughts.

Krieger replied saying, “Let’s find more sponsorship money for Emma Hayes.” In addition, Salazar says that the issue should be clarified by US Soccer head Cindy Parlow Cone or Matt Crocker. But former USMTN striker Herculez Gomez feels that more than money, the coaches will be interested in joining USMTN for their interest in living in the USA.

He reiterated saying, “What’s the one thing all these players all these coaches ask us about? It’s life in America.” On the other hand, reports suggest that Klopp could be interested in taking up a national team job and his preference would be only Germany or the USA. In addition, the German manager on July 4th, tweeted about his pleasant moments in the USA during his Liverpool tours across the pond. But will US Soccer be harsh on Gregg Berhalter and do their best to bring Klopp? Let us know in the comments.