Clint Dempsey hits out at Jesse Marsch over US anthem claim | OneFootball

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

Before Canada’s 2026 World Cup opener against Bosnia & Herzegovina, Marsch made the claim. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, he said: "In the US, sometimes we had to beg players to sing the national anthem". He contrasted that with Canada’s squad singing at full volume to show their pride.

Marsch previously served on the USA coaching staff at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Dempsey, the country’s all-time top scorer and a former Fulham forward, said he usually did not sing, instead placing a hand on his heart and praying. He added he had broken his nose and returned from two heart procedures for the USA, and would not take advice from someone now singing another anthem, finishing with a Thierry Henry nod to stay in his own lane.

Relations between Marsch and the US national team have been strained, with the American overlooked for the head coach role after Gregg Berhalter’s 2022 exit. He has since spoken repeatedly about the situation.

Canada drew 1-1 with Bosnia & Herzegovina, while the USA beat Paraguay 4-1. Leeds midfielder Brenden Aaronson was an unused substitute as his former Elland Road teammate Weston McKennie impressed in Los Angeles.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk