Jesse Marsch criticised by USA legend over national anthem comments | OneFootball

Former Leeds United head coach Jesse Marsch has drawn criticism after saying he had to beg USA players to join in with the national anthem, a claim made before Canada’s opening 2026 World Cup match.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Marsch contrasted that with Canada’s squad, saying they belt out the anthem to show pride, comments that prompted a fierce response from USA great Clint Dempsey.

Marsch made the remarks before taking charge of Canada against Bosnia & Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium, a game that finished 1-1 on Friday night.

Dempsey, the United States’ all-time leading scorer and a former Fulham regular, said he rarely sang himself, instead placing a hand over his heart and praying, and he rejected advice from someone now singing another country’s anthem, urging him to stay in his lane.

Before moving into club management, Marsch served on the USA coaching staff at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

His relationship with the national team has been strained in recent years, with the ex-Leeds boss overlooked for the head coach role after Gregg Berhalter’s 2022 exit, and he has been forthright when discussing that episode.

Canada opened with a point, while the USA beat Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles. Leeds midfielder Brenden Aaronson was unused as Weston McKennie impressed.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk