Former USA interim boss Anthony Hudson joins Qatar side Al-Markhiya on a two-year deal as head coach after national team exit
- Anthony Hudson is switching the US national team for the Qatar Stars League
- It’s not the first time he’s coached in the Middle East in his career
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Former USA interim coach Anthony Hudson has joined Qatari side Al-Markhiya on a two-year contract, the club announced Tuesday.
Hudson took over the US men’s national team on a temporary basis in January and oversaw five games, leading the team to two wins and two draws in that span.
In announcing his departure last week, US Soccer said Hudson was leaving his post to pursue another job, though the federation did not provide specifics.
Hudson was replaced in his interim role by former USMNT assistant B.J. Callaghan.
While Hudson spent less than five months in the job, he’ll be remembered by USA fans for his role in getting striker Folarin Balogun to commit to the national team.
Al-Markhiya’s official Twitter account shared this photo of Anthony Hudson at the club
Hudson took over from Gregg Berhaler in January and led the USMNT in five games
Hudson helped get Folarin Balogun’s commitment to the USA national team over the line
Balogun committed to the USA last month – over England and Nigeria – while Hudson was still in charge, and met with the coach in March when the team was in Florida.
The Qatar Stars League, which Al-Markhiya finished seventh out of 12 teams in last season, will begin its 2023-24 season on August 17.
Hudson departed the USMNT before the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup, which will both begin this month.
This is not the first time Hudson has coached in the Middle East.
The 42-year-old previously coached the Bahrain senior national team and its U23s.
He also coached New Zealand before moving on to a two-year stint with MLS’ Colorado Rapids.
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