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

Clint Dempsey has condemned ex-Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch for claiming he had to beg USA players to sing the national anthem.

Marsch made the comments before taking charge of Canada’s first 2026 World Cup match against Bosnia & Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium, which ended 1-1 on Friday night. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, his remarks stirred debate ahead of kick-off.

He contrasted his experience in the US with Canada, saying the Canadian squad belt out their anthem to show pride in representing the country. Marsch previously worked on the USA coaching staff at the 2010 World Cup.

"He really said that? Man, I can't take this guy too seriously,” Dempsey said. "I wasn't someone who normally would sing. I put my hand over my heart, and I'd pray to the good man upstairs."

The former Fulham forward added that he had bled for the USA, broke his nose while playing, and returned from two heart procedures, insisting he would not take advice from someone now singing another nation’s anthem. "And as my boy Titi [Thierry Henry] would say, stay in your own lane."

Marsch’s relationship with the US national team has been strained, with the former Leeds boss overlooked for the head coach role after Gregg Berhalter’s 2022 exit. He has spoken repeatedly about that process.

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

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk