Gregg Berhalter has ‘work to do’ on Gio Reyna relationship

Gregg Berhalter and Gio Reyna will meet again –– whether they like it or not.

Berhalter said there is “work to do” with Reyna, whose family sparked the drama that temporarily removed Berhalter from the managing position at the end of 2022.

Berhalter, 49, was brought back as the USMNT head coach this week after a winter and spring of controversy, and the coach said there is work to be done to repair the two’s relationship.

“I’d certainly acknowledge that there’s work to do, and Gio is an important player to this team,” Berhalter said to the media, according to ESPN. “He’s an extremely talented individual, and I have the obligation and the commitment to coach him like I coach every other player, and I want to get the best out of him.” 

Following the 2022 World Cup, Berhalter was at a leadership conference where he told a story of how he thought of sending a player home for their bad behavior, and while it wasn’t explicitly said, the player mentioned was likely Reyna.

The star midfielder’s playing time was cut down during the US’ World Cup run.

Reyna’s parents — former US national players Claudio and Danielle Reyna, — subsequently reported to the US Soccer Federation an incident from 30 years prior in which Berhalter kicked his wife, Rosalind, during an argument when the two were freshmen at the University of North Carolina.

The organization opened an investigation and first slotted in Anthony Hudson as interim head coach and then B.J. Callaghan while a decision about Berhalter’s future with the team was made. 

The US Soccer federation conducted an investigation and a report by a law firm determined he did not improperly withhold information about the 1992 incident, clearing the way for Berhalter to regain his position.

“We want to get the best out of him, and we know that if we can unlock his talents, he’s going to be a game changer for this program. So there’s work to do, and part of it is working together with [sporting director] Matt [Crocker] and trying to rebuild a relationship that we know will be important moving forward,” Berhalter said, according to ESPN.

Berhalter will not coach at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, letting Callaghan finish out his work.

Instead, Berhalter will lead his squad into Copa America 2024 and the 2026 World Cup. 

In his first chapter as head coach from 2019-22, Berhalter and the USMNT won the 2021 Nations League and Gold Cup trophies.

Berhalter’s 37-11-12 record holds the highest winning percentage of any USMNT coach.