US interim coach Anthony Hudson says it is ‘difficult’ to take charge as Gregg Berhalter is in limbo

USA interim coach Anthony Hudson has admitted it has been “difficult” taking charge of his first training camp with the national team as Gregg Berhalter’s future remains in limbo.

Hudson was announced as the USMNT’s temporary head coach earlier this month after Berhalter, his former boss and close friend, became embroiled in “blackmail” allegations.

Berhalter, who led the team to the round of 16 at the World Cup, saw his contract with US Soccer expire at midnight on January 1 as the federation continues its post-Qatar review.

Interim manager Anthony Hudson admitted it was ‘difficult’ to take charge in the circumstances

Gregg Berhalter’s future remains in limbo after being embroiled in ‘blackmail’ allegations

US Soccer is also investigating allegations that Berhalter was ‘blackmailed’ amid a sensational dispute involving him and the family of US player Gio Reyna, and has yet to offer the manager a new contract or name a new manager.

Thus, Hudson stepped up to take temporary charge of the team for their two friendlies against Serbia and Colombia this month.

“On one hand, this is a very proud moment and it’s an honor to be in this position,” Hudson said after opening practice Saturday at the team’s training complex.

‘On the other hand, the circumstances in which it occurs, I am a very loyal person, and it is difficult for me. It’s difficult for the staff.’

Reyna’s mother, Danielle (left), told US Soccer that Berhalter kicked his future wife in 1991

Hudson acknowledged that he is still in regular contact with Berhalter, who promoted him in 2021 from a head coaching job with the US Under-20 team to an assistant role.

“I’m close with Gregg,” Hudson said. “There is no coach course or anything, really, that he guides you at times like this. … This is a really different situation, and I just resort to being honest. I respect Gregg a lot, and he gave me this opportunity, so I don’t know why my relationship would change. He is still a good man.

Berhalter’s future remains in limbo as US Soccer conducts its investigation into the dispute between Berhalter and the Reynas, with Gio remaining at Dortmund during this camp.

In response to Berhalter’s belittling of Gio Reyna during the World Cup, Danielle Reyna, Gio’s mother and wife of former United States midfielder Claudio Reyna, notified US Soccer last month about a 1991 incident in which Berhalter kicked her future wife, Rosalind, the wife of Danielle Reyna. college roommate.

Surprisingly, Gio Reyna was given a limited role for the USA in their World Cup campaign.

Berhalter went public that he kicked his wife Rosalind (left) during an argument in 1991

The drama surrounding US Soccer hasn’t been limited to the Berhalter and Reyna families, either. On Friday, USA Soccer Federation sporting director Earnie Stewart told the organization’s board of directors that Brian McBride will not be the general manager of the men’s team.

All that is known for certain is that Hudson is hosting the USA’s annual January camp in Southern California outside of an official FIFA window. The camp typically provides a showcase for MLS team talent and any available international club players to begin preparations for next year, which includes the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The United States hosts Serbia at Los Angeles FC’s BMO Stadium on Wednesday night, followed by a second exhibition against Colombia in Carson next Saturday.

USMNT General Manager Brian McBride will not return to his US soccer role.

Hudson, 41, is no stranger to leadership roles: the Seattle-born Englishman has managed clubs ranging from Newport County and MLS side Colorado Rapids to the national teams of Bahrain and New Zealand in his itinerant career. as a coach.

“It’s very important for me to understand that it’s not about me,” Hudson said. “It’s about this group of players who have the opportunity to come into this window and represent the national team, and potentially there are some players in there who will do well and stay with us, and have the opportunity to compete in the next World Cup.

Team USA was in a pretty similar leadership position at the start of the previous World Cup cycle. Bruce Arena resigned in October 2017 after the Americans failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, and Dave Sarachan served as his interim coach until Berhalter was hired in December 2018.

Hudson said he has already “had a very nice conversation” with Sarachan about the challenges of serving in this temporary role for as long as it lasts.

The Hudson players also acknowledge no concern or disappointment with the current state of leadership in US Soccer.

Hudson, 41, is no stranger to leadership roles and was an assistant in Qatar.

“You’re still going in and you’re representing the United States of America,” said Julian Gressel, the German-born fullback for the Vancouver Whitecaps who got his first shot with Team USA after receiving citizenship in November. ‘You are playing for your country, so no matter what happens in the future, you can show that you want to be part of the group that goes forward, no matter what it will look like. It is a great opportunity.

The full team roster will not be assembled until Monday. Six players are scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles on Saturday night, with Alejandro Zendejas joining from Mexico on Sunday before Matthew Hoppe and Jonathan Gomez arrive from Europe on Monday.

Zendejas comes after FIFA fined Mexico 10,000 Swiss francs (approximately $11,000) and ordered El Tri to forfeit two recent friendlies in which it used Zendejas, who played for the United States in the 2015 U-17 World Cup. .

“There are a lot of new faces, including me, and we’re excited to build on what’s happened at the World Cup and what’s happened in the last four years,” Gressel said. “I think everyone is eager to step in and make a name for themselves to be considered for the future.”