CARSON, California — United States men’s national team Interim manager Anthony Hudson has said he will continue to do all he can to move the team forward, now it looks like he will be at the helm through the summer.
The United States is set to play the second of two friendlies on Saturday against Colombia in LA Galaxy‘s Dignity Health Sports Park. At first, that seemed to be the limit of Hudson’s time in charge. But last month saw tremendous upheaval in the USMNT program.
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USA World Cup manager Gregg Berhalter is currently out of contract and awaiting the results of an investigation. USSF investigates a domestic violence case that happened between him and his current wife, Rosalind, in 1991. That left Hudson in charge of the current camp.
But that feeling of uncertainty increased this week with the announcement that athletic director Earnie Stewart and USMNT general manager Brian McBride both leave the organization. With USSF president Cindy Parlow Cone saying she hopes to take up the positions of athletic director and USMNT manager “by the end of the summer”, Hudson’s coaching stint looks set to last after two years. match in January.
“So we’ve found out in the last few days. Obviously there’s been some change,” Hudson said at Friday’s press conference. “And yes, my focus is no matter how long it takes, just to keep doing all I can to develop the team, prepare the team starting in March, and that’s it. Obviously, it’s a flexible situation, but that’s my focus right now.”
Hudson’s mission is to introduce some young players and begin to build depth for the World Cup cycle ahead, a tournament that will be limited by the US hosting the 2026 competition alongside Canada and Mexico. Ultimately, he said he would continue with that approach, although he admitted that with some players still in pre-season mode, fitness will dictate many squad decisions. his.
“First, we want to put them in a position where they can do well, then we want them to show us what they can do,” he said. “Their first goal is to show off, have a good game and stay in the national team. That’s what we’re looking for. [Saturday].”
Now that Hudson will be in many international windows, there is a question as to how he will try to put his own stamp on things, especially in future matches – starting with CONCACAF Nations League matches in March – – there will be much more at stake.
Hudson said he will begin contacting players of European descent as soon as this camp is over, but realizes that time on the pitch with the players is limited. He said he would only have three days to prepare before the March window, making it “difficult” to implement wholesale changes. That means building on what was done under Berhalter.
“In the future, look, I think that’s really clear in the sense that we have a very, very clear game idea,” he said. “We want to be an attacking football team. We want to have possession, we want to defend bravely, we have a clear understanding of how we want to defend.
“So it’s natural for us, whoever’s sitting in this chair, to have an idea for this kind of game. Of course, you want to keep developing it and moving it forward. So that’s it. is the plan for us.”
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America will face an almost inexperienced Colombia as America’s sole defender Frank Fabra have more than three caps. But there are some faces that fans of MLS teams will recognize, including LAFC front Chicho Arango and striker Columbus Cucho Hernandez. And Hudson is eager to see how his team recovers from Wednesday 2-1 defeat Serbia.
“[It’s] a different kind of test than the night before,” Hudson said. “They’re a good team, really good. I’m seeing good individuals, lots of good one-on-one players; quick, direct, good counter-attackers.”
Hudson also welcomes information that the US will host Copa America 2024will add an important list of competitive games as it is almost certain that the United States will not have to participate in any World Cup qualifiers due to its role as co-host.
“It’s exciting and it’s something I know the players are definitely looking forward to,” he said. “It’s going to be great for the fans in this country. It’s great news. I think it’s great to develop the game here and it’s definitely really exciting.”
But for now, Hudson is preparing for Colombia, as well as what’s to come in the next few months.
“I didn’t really expect any of this, the way it evolved,” he said.
He then added: “I will continue to do all I can. This is a really, really special team. I know how important this national team is and I want to do it all. doing everything they can to make sure the team is in a good place for anyone.” come in, whenever that is.”
