sport news US interim coach Anthony Hudson says it is 'difficult' to take charge as Gregg ... trends now
USA's interim coach Anthony Hudson admitted it has been 'difficult' to take 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, was embroiled in bombshell 'blackmail' allegations.
Berhalter, who led the team to the last 16 at the World Cup, saw his contract with US Soccer expire at midnight on January 1 as the federation continues to conduct its review post-Qatar.
Interim coach Anthony Hudson admitted it was 'difficult' to take charge in the circumstances
Gregg Berhalter's future remains in limbo after he was embroiled in 'blackmail' allegations
With US Soccer also investigating allegations Berhalter was 'blackmailed' amid a sensational dispute involving him and the family of US player Gio Reyna, it has yet to offer a new deal to the coach nor appoint a new manager.
Hudson therefore stepped up to temporarily take charge of the team for its two friendly matches against Serbia and Colombia this month.
'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.'
Reyna's mom Danielle (left) told US Soccer about Berhalter kicking his future wife in 1991
Hudson acknowledged he´s 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´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.'
Berhalter's future remains in limbo while US Soccer conducts its investigation into the row between Berhalter and the Reynas, with Gio staying with Dortmund during this camp.
In response to Berhalter's disparagement of Gio Reyna during the World Cup, Danielle Reyna - Gio's mother and former U.S. midfielder Claudio Reyna's wife - notified U.S. Soccer last month of an incident in 1991 in which Berhalter kicked his future wife, Rosalind - Danielle Reyna´s college roommate.
Gio Reyna was surprisingly given a limited role for the USA in their World Cup campaign
