Jesse Marsch, the newly appointed coach of the Canada men’s national team, recently spoke out against U.S. Soccer for its handling of the hiring process for the U.S. men’s national team coach position. Marsch, who previously managed Leeds United in the Premier League, was seen as a top candidate for the USMNT job after Gregg Berhalter’s contract ended following the 2022 World Cup. However, Marsch’s agent announced in June that he would not be getting the position, and Berhalter was subsequently rehired by U.S. Soccer the next day. Marsch expressed his disappointment with how he was treated during the process, but also stated that he is now focused on his new role with Canada.
Despite the disappointments with U.S. Soccer, Marsch is excited about his new role with Canada. He highlighted that he feels a strong connection to the fan base, player pool, and the nation as a whole. Having previously worked in Canada and knowing many people involved in Canadian soccer, Marsch believes that this is the right fit for him at this point in his career. His appointment as Canada’s head coach through the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, highlights the long-term commitment he has made to the team and the country.
While Marsch has been critical of some of Berhalter’s decisions as the U.S. coach, he downplayed any potential rivalry between the U.S. and Canada ahead of upcoming matches. Both teams will be participating in this summer’s Copa America in the United States, providing an opportunity for them to face off on the field. Marsch acknowledged the longstanding history of competition between the two teams but emphasized that the focus should be on how well Canada can perform on home soil in 2026 and unite the nation through their success on the field.
As Marsch settles into his new role as Canada’s head coach, he is focused on building a strong team that can compete at the highest level. His experience managing teams in various countries, including the U.S., Austria, and Germany, has provided him with a wealth of knowledge that he can bring to the Canadian team. By emphasizing the importance of teamwork, unity, and pride in representing the nation, Marsch hopes to lead Canada to success in future competitions, including the 2026 World Cup.
Overall, Jesse Marsch’s move to Canada represents a new chapter in his coaching career. While he has expressed disappointment with how he was treated by U.S. Soccer, he is now fully committed to his role with Canada and is determined to lead the team to success in the years to come. With his experience, passion, and vision for the future, Marsch is poised to make a significant impact on Canadian soccer and elevate the team to new heights on the international stage.