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<ul><li>Matarazzo confirmed he had conversations with U.S. Soccer
</li><li>Emphasized that coaching the USMNT remains an ambition
</li><li>Detailed how skepticism toward American coaches in Germany motivated him
</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

‘I’m not going to deny it’ - Former Hoffenheim boss Pellegrino Matarazzo reflects on USMNT links and leaves door open for future opportunity

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While Mauricio Pochettino was appointed as the new USMNT head coach, US Soccer reportedly held discussions with several other potential candidates before giving the Argentine the job. Pellegrino Matarazzo <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/u-s-soccer-reportedly-hoffenheim-pellegrino-matarazzo-usmnt-head-coach/blt6ba31b31f6bd8504" target="_self">was one of the managers linked with the job</a>, and he confirmed this week that he was one of the said candidates. The former Hoffenheim boss admitted that while the discussions didn’t lead to anything, he remains open to coaching his national team in the future.“I’m not going to deny it - there were good talks [with U.S. Soccer] that took place,” Matarazzo told <a href="https://www.givemesport.com/pellegrino-matarazzo-exclusive-usmnt-hoffenheim-bundesliga-american-coach/" target="_self">Give Me Sport</a> in an interview. “At that time [last summer], it was not meant to be. As a coach, the chance to lead a national team – especially your own – is something special. It was an honor to be associated with a role like that. Of course, I would be open to it in the future if the project fits and the timing is right.”Matarazzo also reflected on his journey as an American coach in Germany, where he has established himself as a respected Bundesliga manager despite initial skepticism about his background.“I have been here for 25 years, and I’ve broken many barriers along the way. In the beginning, people knew I was Italian-American, they had doubts. It was a motivation for me to be better. To be better in every way possible, I could be," he said.He added, “I remember applying for my pro coaching license, and the extra difficulties for me to get in. Maybe that’s what helped me get to where I am now, the need for excellence. I was fluent in German relatively early. That was an advantage in the German football culture, you need to be able to speak the language. I definitely had my obstacles to overcome, and I think I did an alright job.”

WHAT HAPPENED

Matarazzo was the head coach at TSG Hoffenheim from February 2023 until November 2024, when he was sacked with the club languishing near the relegation zone. However, despite that, Matarazzo admitted that he’ll always be grateful for his time with the club and is proud of his success.“To be honest, I look at the positive side. I’ll always be grateful for my experience in Hoffenheim, I was able to work with some great people. Despite a very turbulent environment at the club, we were relatively successful. Many times, extraordinary circumstances are the chance for a tremendous learning experience. I know I grew as a coach and a leader.“When I joined the club in February 2023, there was this ongoing internal power struggle happening, and they were in a nine-match winless run. We managed to build a focused, strong, cohesive unit and save the team from relegation. The following season, we qualified for European competition," he added.“One game that sums up my time there was our 4-2 win against Bayern Munich in the final game of the season last year, securing a spot in the Europa League. It was a special moment that showed our true character….That showed who we were, and football doesn’t get much better than that.”

WHAT PELLEGRINO MATARAZZO SAID

American coaches working at high levels in European football remain relatively rare, making Matarazzo's success in Germany particularly significant. While his time with Hoffenheim may have ended by being sacked, he led the club back into Europe with a seventh-place finish in his first full season with the club.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Matarazzo admitted that he is open to a role anywhere, as he is open to many things. For U.S. Soccer, Pochettino's tenure is just beginning, with the focus firmly on preparing the team for the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

WHAT’S NEXT?

‘I’m not going to deny it’ — Former Hoffenheim boss Pellegrino Matarazzo reflects on USMNT links and leaves door open for future opportunity | Goal.com

The 47-year-old opened up about his talks with US Soccer over becoming the USMNT’s next boss and his time at a Germany club as an American

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