US men’s national team interim manager Anthony Hudson will lead the American side in their first competitive match since crashing out of the World Cup. Regardless of the outside buzz about dual nationals and parent/coach controversy, the USMNT move forward as they take on Grenada as a part of their CONCACAF Nations League schedule.
Naturally, the Stars and Stripes are the favorite to win, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be difficult for Hudson’s side.
“Look, I would say these games are complicated,” Hudson told the media. “They’re very, very tricky games, because we have, as we all know, just come out of the World Cup. We have a really, really talented squad coming from playing at very, very high levels, all around the world, playing in Europe.”
Hudson also spoke about the difficulties of playing away from home, particularly in the humid climates of Caribbean countries.
“And then you come – and I mean this respectfully – you come to certain places in the region, and it’s just different. Different conditions, different stadiums, different fans, so they become very, very complicated games because they’re not games like you’re used to. But the bottom line is this: We have to win.”
Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic emphasized the complications that come with the climate, but opted for a slightly more positive outlook on playing in Grenada.
“We were able to go and see the stadium. And I must say it’s quite a beautiful place. The setting was very nice, the drive to the stadium was beautiful, and hopefully it’ll be a nice atmosphere for the match tomorrow,” he said.
“It might not be a World Cup game, but we know how challenging these matches can be at times, because of the conditions and everything. But all in all, excited to be here in a nice place and yeah, a good challenge for us.”
Fans can watch the USMNT national team in action again as they take on Grenada on March 25th.