USMNT names caretaker coach at January camp. Gregg Berhalter’s future is uncertain
Anthony Hudson will be the new head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team for two January friendlies in California and a training camp at California. Gregg Berhalter, the incumbent head coach, is still in doubt.
Berhalter, who led the team to and through the 2022 World CupSince last month, he has been in talks with the U.S. Soccer Federation, and has also been cooperating closely with an investigation into a decades-old domestic violence incident He and his wife were involved.
Berhalter’s contract ended Dec. 31 but he remains a candidate for the long-term job.
U.S. Soccer said that the USMNT program is currently being reviewed by its sporting director Earnie Stearn. Its decision on Berhalter will depend on both that review and the investigation — which the federation commissioned after being notified of the early-1990s incident on Dec. 11. Berhalter, in a Tuesday statementAccording to a source, the person outside U.S. Soccer attempted to “take me down” by bringing up this private matter.
U.S. Soccer released Hudson’s temporary appointment Wednesday, one day after it announced that the investigation was ongoing. Hudson worked as an assistant for Berhalter during 2022 World Cup. He joined U.S. Soccer as a player in 2020 and was a member of the USMNT staff by 2021.
Berhalter became USMNT head coach in December 2018. His first year as head of the organization was a transitional year. His second year in charge, 2020 was interrupted by the COVID-19 epidemic. His third, 2021, was the most successful, with two trophies — the Gold Cup The inaugural CONCACAF Nations League — and three straight wins over Mexico.
The fourth year of his contract was completed with a World Cup run that exceeded all reasonable expectations. The U.S. reached the Round of 16It is where it is lost to the Netherlands. Berhalter received praise for his gameplanning abilities and management of a young roster. But, his critics were just as loud after the USMNT was eliminated.
Berhalter and U.S. Soccer both considered a contract extension over the month that has passed, but neither have expressed any definitive interest. The federation may consider other options for a head coach. Berhalter could, in the same way, look for a job at the European club game which is more in line with his management style.
Timing is another factor that can complicate their decisions. The European club seasons are currently in full swing, and will continue until May. The USMNT will use 2023 as a transitional year regardless of Berhalter’s return to the helm. The USMNT’s next major competition will not be until 2024 at the latest. It will also automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup co-host. Although the possibility to lead the team home to the World Cup could attract top talent, the job is not all that appealing in the short term.
Fabrizio Romano, global soccer’s preeminent transfer insider, said on a CBS Sports podcast There had been “conversations between agents” this week about the USMNT coaching gig. But it was “an open position.” Berhalter is still involved.
For now, the transitional year will be without Hudson. Hudson will head the team’s annual January camp. This camp is often called “Camp Cupcake”. It will include very few of the 26 World Cup roster players. Because the games are outside of a FIFA international window, and not during European seasons the clubs are not required by law to release any players to the USMNT. The camp is traditionally a proving ground for MLS players and youngsters — and especially this year, just one month after a World Cup.
It will end with friendly matches against Serbia (Jan. 26) and Colombia (1st January 28). In late March, the USMNT will host El Salvador and Grenada in competitive matches.