Clint Dempsey criticises Jesse Marsch over national anthem comments | OneFootball

Clint Dempsey has criticised Jesse Marsch after the former Leeds United head coach claimed he had to beg USA players to sing the national anthem. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the USA’s all-time top scorer took exception to the remarks and questioned Marsch’s stance.

Marsch made the comments before leading Canada into their opening 2026 World Cup match against Bosnia & Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium. The game finished 1-1 on Friday night.

He suggested that during his time with the US set-up staff sometimes had to urge players to sing, contrasting that with Canada’s squad, who he said pour their hearts into the anthem to show pride.

Marsch previously served on the USA coaching staff at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Dempsey, part of that squad and a Premier League regular with Fulham, responded forcefully.

He said he rarely sang the anthem, instead placing a hand on his heart and praying, and stressed his commitment by referencing a broken nose and two heart procedures endured while representing the team. He added that he would not take guidance from someone now coaching elsewhere and singing another country’s anthem, finishing by urging Marsch to stay in his lane.

Relations between Marsch and the US national set-up have been strained, with the ex-Leeds coach overlooked for the head role after Gregg Berhalter’s 2022 exit. He has repeatedly aired forthright views on that episode.

Canada opened with a point, while the USA beat Paraguay 4-1. Leeds midfielder Brenden Aaronson was unused, and former Elland Road team-mate Weston McKennie impressed in Los Angeles.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk