In discussions to extend his contract with the selection of the United States, Gregg Berhalter could be left on the floor. Indeed, the American coach has been under pressure from the parents of attacking midfielder Giovanni Reyna and finds himself in the heart of an incredible soap opera.
Berhalter may not be extended with Team USA.
A fun team to see play, youth, passion… Despite an elimination by the Netherlands (1-3) in the round of 16 of the World Cup in Qatar, the United States selection has left a good impression. Enough to estimate that Team USA will be very successful for the 2026 edition, partly contested on its territory. A question nevertheless comes up in recent hours: will Gregg Berhalter still be at the helm in three and a half years?
Logic would say yes. In place since December 2018, the former Columbus Crew coach has a very good record with 37 wins, 12 draws and 11 losses in 60 games as well as successes in the 2020 CONCACAF Nations League and the 2021 Gold Cup. After the good image shown in the Gulf, discussions to extend his contract, which expired on December 31, looked like a formality. But an unexpected event could put an end to his adventure on the selection bench.
Unexpected pressures
On Tuesday, Berhalter posted a lengthy message on social media. In it, he reveals that he was pressured to prevent the continuation of his mission. The accused person threatened to reveal a story of domestic violence dating back to 1991 for which the 49-year-old man justified and apologized in his text while still living with his partner, mother of his four children. The identity of the crow? Danielle Reyna, who is none other than the mother of Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Giovanni Reyna.
Why this relentlessness? Danielle Reyna did not accept the treatment reserved for her son during the competition. With only 53 minutes played in 4 games, the player from the German club did not expect to be so little used. But his overall behavior for three weeks played tricks on him to the point of exasperating all his partners and the staff. Moreover, the local press tells us that the young talent was forced to apologize to all the members of Team USA for his terrible attitude in Qatar.
Reyna’s mom doesn’t understand
His mother, who is a close confidante of Rosalind Berhalter, with whom she played on the same university team during his schooling, criticized the coach for having forgotten his past to judge his son. “Rosalind was my roommate, teammate, and best friend, and I supported her through the trauma that followed. It took me a long time to forgive and then accept Gregg. I worked hard to forgive him. I would have hoped that he would forgive Gio the same way“, she explained in The Athletic.
A virtual sidelining that Danielle Reyna, wife of Claudio Reyna, former captain of the USA and ex-partner of Berhalter, experienced as a betrayal. “Gio was dragged through the mud, as Gregg sought and received forgiveness for doing something far more serious at the same age. I felt personally betrayed by the actions of someone my family has considered a friend for decades.Added the player’s mother, who probably didn’t think this story would go that far.
Future compromised for Berhalter… and Reyna?
Today, Berhalter has still not obtained the expected extension following the undermining work carried out by Reyna’s parents with federation officials. The authority has also launched an investigation to clarify the issue. While Anthony Hudson will take care of the internship scheduled for January, the technician who passed through Hammarby may have lost big with his management of one of the most gifted players of his generation, who will also have a lot of trouble finding his place in a group built by Berhalter.
What do you think of this incredible story? What should the American federation do? Do not hesitate to react and discuss in the area “add a comment» …
