Gregg Berhalter has been suspended as head coach of the men's national team while US Soccer conducts its investigation ©Getty Images

Gregg Berhalter has spoken of his desire to remain as head coach of the United States men's football team despite being suspended in the wake of an investigation into an alleged attack on his wife more than 30 years ago.

US Soccer has launched an independent investigation into allegations that Berhalter kicked his wife Rosalind during an altercation outside a bar in 1991.

Danielle Reyna, the mother of US midfielder Giovanni Reyna, has confirmed that she reported Berhalter’s domestic incident to US Soccer that resulted in the investigation.

In a lengthy statement, Berhalter admitted to kicking his then girlfriend in the legs following a "heated argument" 31 years ago, saying it was a "shameful moment" and "one that I regret to this day".

Berhalter has been suspended by US Soccer while the investigation and review takes place, with Anthony Hudson installed as interim head coach.

But Berhalter said he was hopeful of keeping his position as he spoke of his sadness over the revelations.

"I think the worst part of it for me is my heart aches for my wife, because it was her story to tell, if she chose to or not. It just really, really saddens me," Berhalter told Harvard Business Review.

"But it's moving forward and that's the way we have to look at it together as a family.

"The family's been amazing and has taken it one day at a time and moving forward."

Berhalter has been in charge of the US team for the past four years but his contract expired at the end of last month.

"When we started in 2018, we wanted to change the way the world views American soccer," added Berhalter.

"I think when you ask around the world now about our team, the world sees us in a completely different light.

"But now it's about being able to take that next step and that next step is doing something that no US team has ever done, and that's get to the semi-finals and see what happens from there.

"There's a lot of great challenges involved, and of course I'd like to continue in my role."

US Soccer announced on Tuesday (January 3) that it had hired American law firm Alston and Bird LLP to lead an independent investigation into the domestic violence allegations levelled at Berhalter.

"Through this process, US Soccer has learned about potential inappropriate behaviour towards multiple members of our staff by individuals outside of our organisation," a statement from US Soccer read.

"We take such behaviour seriously and have expanded our investigation to include those allegations.


"We appreciate Gregg and Rosalind coming forward to speak openly about this incident.

"Consistent with our commitment to transparency, we will share the results of the investigation publicly when it is complete."

Danielle Reyna, who is married to former US captain Claudio Reyna, has revealed that she told US Soccer about Berhalter’s past altercation with his wife after being angered by criticism that she believes were aimed at her son.

Speaking at last month’s HOW Institute for Society's Summit on Moral Leadership in New York, Berhalter said that "a player" was almost sent home from the FIFA World Cup in Qatar for not meeting expectations on and off the field.

Although Berhalter did not name the player, Giovanni Reyna said the comments were in reference to him in a post on social media.

"I am disappointed that there is continuing coverage of this matter (as well as some highly fictionalized versions of events) and extremely surprised that anyone on the U.S. men's team staff would contribute to it," Reyna wrote on Instagram.

"Coach Berhalter has always said that issues that arise with the team will stay 'in house' so we can focus on team unity and progress."