Today’s USMNT news focuses on who the country’s next head coach should be. Jesse Marsch is still a contender but Anthony Hudson looks to remain in charge for the foreseeable. U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker has also given an update on the recruitment process.
USMNT news: Jesse Marsch’s chances
Jesse Marsch has been out of work since being fired by Leeds United earlier this year. He has since spoken to Southampton and Leicester City about taking over as manager but he ultimately turned down those jobs. The American has spoken in the past of his commitment to the club game. Although, he has strongly been linked with the vacant USMNT head coach role.
As Marsch is available and if he wanted the job then you would have thought that U.S. Soccer would have already snapped him up. However, Doug McIntyre has revealed that “No deal is close with Jesse Marsch or anyone else.”
U.S. Soccer are taking their time on the appointment but they are losing valuable time for the next head coach. The Stars and Stripes have a Nations League semi-final and the Gold Cup this summer, which could have been a good opportunity for the new head coach to start working with the players.
USMNT news: Anthony Hudson’s role
Anthony Hudson has done a great job as interim head coach of the USMNT. He has a decent record in the five games he has been in charge of with two wins, two draws and just one defeat. Hudson has also done well with the recruitment with both Folarin Balogun and Timothy Tillman switching to represent the Stars and Stripes.
Doug McIntyre has revealed that “The USMNT will use mostly if not entirely, different squads for Nations League finals and Gold Cup. Interim coach Anthony Hudson will stay through both events (he’s under contract until Aug 1).”
Giving Hudson more time shows that U.S. Soccer is not rushing into any decision. However, it might be seen as time wasted that a new head coach could have to work with the team. If Hudson is successful in the tournaments this summer, then he could make more of a claim that he should be the man for the job.
USMNT news: Matt Crocker interview
Matt Crocker is responsible for hiring the next USMNT head coach. In an interview with U.S. Soccer, the sporting director gave an update on their progress, “The plan is to conduct a series of interviews in June and narrow down the list of candidates. From there, we will engage the finalists in another evaluation activity. Our aim is to have our new coach in place by the end of summer, although it’s possible that club circumstances could impact the timeline.”
The process seems to be very thorough and it looks like the next head coach will take over after the Gold Cup. Crocker saying that situations with clubs could affect their process does not sound good for Jesse Marsch who is currently out of work.