Anthony Hudson’s first practice in charge of the U.S. men’s national team would have been a career milestone for the veteran coach in ideal circumstances.
The actual situation is no cause for celebration, Hudson admits.
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Hudson has no idea how long he’ll be in charge of the American team, and nobody knows whether his former boss and close friend, Gregg Berhalter, will ever resume his job amid a misconduct investigation and an ongoing review of the USMNT program after his contract expired three weeks ago.
“On one hand, this is a very prideful moment, and it’s an honor to be in this position,” Hudson said after the opening workout Saturday at the team’s training complex. “On the other side, the circumstances in which it comes about, I’m a very loyal person, and it’s difficult for me. It’s difficult for the staff.”
Hudson acknowledged he’s still in regular contact with Berhalter, who promoted him in 2021 from a head coaching job with the U.S. Under-20 team to an assistant role.
“I’m close with Gregg,” Hudson said. “There’s no coaching course or anything, really, to guide you in moments like this. … This is a really different situation, and I just fall back on being honest. I have a lot of respect for Gregg, and he gave me this opportunity, so I don’t know why my relationship would change. He’s still a good man.”
