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Ahead of the United States’ World Cup opener against Paraguay on Friday, former United States men’s national team assistant coach and current Canada head coach Jesse Marsch shared his experience leading the United States during the 2010 World Cup.
Marsch took a dig at Team USA and former players didn’t hesitate to respond. But let’s go back.
Marsch spoke about his experience leading the United States under former head coach Bob Bradley and commented on his views on the players – particularly what he felt was missing.
“In the United States, we had to beg the players to sing the national anthem,” Marsch said.
Marsch’s comments didn’t faze FOX Sports’ Clint Dempsey, who played for Marsch and the U.S. national team during the 2010 World Cup.
“I can’t take this guy too seriously,” Dempsey said before Canada’s season opener against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday. “It was an honor for me to grow up and represent my country. I wasn’t someone who normally sang. I put my hand on my heart and pray to the good man upstairs.”
Dempsey remains one of the most talented American players in his three World Cup appearances – he was the only player to score in all three – and has scored 54 goals in 141 appearances for the United States. When it comes to playing for the United States, Dempsey highlighted his experience representing his country.
“I bled for this country. I broke my nose playing for this country. I came back from two heart surgeries and played for this country,” Dempsey added. “I’m not going to take advice from someone who has crossed over and is singing for another country’s national anthem.”
Marsch assisted Bradley from 2010-11 and was part of the U.S. team for the 2010 World Cup when the team finished first in Group C before being eliminated by Ghana in the round of 16. Marsch was heavily considered to take over as U.S. head coach in 2023, but was ultimately sidelined when former coach Gregg Berhalter was rehired.
Additionally, Thierry Henry of FOX Sports offered his advice to Marsch ahead of his World Cup debut.
“You have to act and speak. You can’t hide behind the fact that you’re a good team,” Henry said before Canada’s first game. “By the way, you took on a job that someone started… This team was already there when he arrived. Yes, he raised it. Let’s see what he can do today against Bosnia. [and Herzegovina]”.
Since Marsch joined Team Canada in 2024, he has accumulated a 12-12-5 record.
