Clint Dempsey hits back at Jesse Marsch over USA anthem claim | OneFootball

Clint Dempsey has rebuked Jesse Marsch after the former Leeds United manager said he had to beg USA players to sing the national anthem.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Marsch made the remarks before leading Canada into their first 2026 World Cup match, a 1-1 draw with Bosnia & Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium on Friday.

The American coach said that in the US staff sometimes pleaded with players to join in the anthem, contrasting that with Canada’s squad, whom he praised for belting it out to show pride.

Marsch previously worked on the USA coaching staff at the 2010 World Cup. Dempsey, the country’s record scorer and a former Fulham forward, rejected the criticism, saying he did not usually sing but honoured the anthem with a hand on his heart and a prayer.

He added that he had bled for the team, citing a broken nose and returning after two heart procedures, and said he would not take advice from someone now singing another country’s anthem. He referenced Thierry Henry in telling Marsch to stay in his own lane.

Marsch’s ties with the US set-up have been strained after he was overlooked for the head coach role following Gregg Berhalter’s 2022 exit. Canada opened with a point, while the USA beat Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles, with Leeds midfielder Brenden Aaronson unused and Weston McKennie impressing.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk