Christian Pulisic message to USMNT fans after Copa America exit ramps up speculation about Gregg Berhalter's future: 'Does that mean he's gone?'

By Oliver Salt

Published: | Updated:

Christian Pulisic has ramped up speculation over Gregg Berhalter's future as USMNT coach after sending a message to fans in the wake of their Copa America exit.

USA crashed and burned at this summer's home tournament after failing to make it out of the group stages, with a 1-0 defeat against Uruguay in Kansas City on Monday sealing their fate.

A shock 2-1 loss to Panama beforehand left the hosts with a mountain to climb in their final group outing against a side brimming with confidence under Marcelo Bielsa.


Their poor showing on the night against Uruguay and subsequent elimination has piled the pressure on Berhalter, who now faces a major battle to keep his job ahead of a World Cup on American soil in 2026.

Christian Pulisic
Gregg Berhalter

Christian Pulisic has ramped up speculation over Gregg Berhalter's future as USMNT coach

US Soccer chiefs are reportedly set to decide his fate over the next week amid calls for the axe to drop. 

And with speculation over his future already at an intense level, Pulisic has appeared to add fuel to the fire by delivering a message to USMNT supporters.

The AC Milan forward wrote alongside a photo of himself on his Instagram story: 'You deserve and will get better US fans. Better days ahead'.

He then added: 'Time to rest for a bit before a big season ahead'

USA fans were left torn after Pulisic's message, with some claiming it implies Berhalter is on his way out and others suggesting it is a sign he will stay on as coach.

One asked: 'Does that mean he's gone?'

'This is good no?' another wrote.

Pulisic told USA fans that they 'deserve better and will get better' after their Copa America exit

Pulisic told USA fans that they 'deserve better and will get better' after their Copa America exit

Fans were torn on social media about what the Instagram message implied about Berhalter

Fans were torn on social media about what the Instagram message implied about Berhalter

While one jumped to this ambitious conclusion: 'WE [are] GETTING KLOPP!'

Others, meanwhile, took a different stance. 

'He wouldn’t be apologizing if Gregg were leaving… I don’t like this,' one user commented.

Another put: 'I think he’s staying!! Seems like pulisic posted this to show he backs him!'

'Makes me nervous Greg will be back...' said a third.

While one joked: He’s staying, get ready for more Berhalter ball'.

No indications have been made and no serious rumors have suggested a decision one way or another when it comes to if Berhalter is staying or going.

The 50-year-old is facing a major battle to keep his job on the back of USA's elimination

The 50-year-old is facing a major battle to keep his job on the back of USA's elimination

But calls have come from across the sphere of US Soccer for the 50-year-old to leave or be removed from the job after the embarrassing display at the Copa America.

That includes from US Soccer legends Clint Dempsey, Alexi Lalas, and Carli Lloyd on the FOX Sports panel in the immediate aftermath of the game. 

Supporters groups like the American Outlaws have also called for Berhalter to move on.

USA FootballChristian PulisicMarcelo Bielsa