Canada’s head coach Jesse Marsch expressed contentment in his current role, despite previously feeling “devastated and angry” over losing the United States men’s national team position to Gregg Berhalter in 2023.
In an interview with GiveMeSport published on Thursday, Marsch mentioned that during discussions with the U.S. Soccer Federation, he was under the impression that he would be appointed as the team’s next head coach.
However, the U.S. unexpectedly reverted to Berhalter, who ultimately secured the position. Berhalter was dismissed just a year later in July 2024 after the USMNT’s early exit from that year’s Copa América. This opened the door for the U.S. to bring in Mauricio Pochettino, but Marsch stated he now has no regrets.
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<p"All I'd say is that it was made very clear to me by U.S. Soccer that I was going to be the [USMNT] coach, and then it was made very clear to me that I was not," Marsch remarked. "At the time, I was devastated and angry, but now I am thankful and really happy to be where I'm at."
Adding to Marsch’s frustration was the fact that by engaging in discussions with the USSF, he had to forgo a handshake agreement to become the manager of Leicester City. His belief that he was assured the U.S. position led him to change his plans.
“I received a call from U.S. Soccer while I was literally being fingerprinted [for a visa] at Leicester,” Marsch recounted. “I was prepared to accept that job, so it altered the course of my life. I believe things happen for a reason, and I’m content with my current situation.”
He continued, “There was a match that day [against Bournemouth], and we were set to go to the [King Power] stadium together. Everything was finalized. And by the way, the Leicester staff are excellent. I felt awful. It was the second time I had pulled the rug out from under a club. It happened with Southampton as well. In another scenario, Leicester would have been a really exciting experience.”
The U.S. Soccer Federation chose not to comment when approached by ESPN.
After Berhalter’s dismissal in 2024, Marsch stated he had “no interest in the U.S. job,” adding that “unless there’s a significant change in the organization, I don’t foresee myself having any interest in that position in the future.”
Marsch indicated that he now feels aligned with an organization in Canada Soccer that resonates more closely with his vision and principles.
“Arriving in Canada, I feel like I have discovered a team, a fan base, and a country that aligns with who I am and the values I hold, and that is also eager to collaborate within the football community to advance the sport in a way that benefits everyone,” he explained.
“This is not to diminish anything about the United States. It’s just so vast with numerous spheres of influence, many egos and opinions, and individuals who want to contribute. Canada is more tranquil. There are fewer people and spheres of influence. There is a greater willingness for everyone to collaborate. And there is a broader recognition that this moment in time is crucial for everyone in the country.”
Marsch has faced the U.S. twice since his appointment, achieving 2-1 victories on both occasions—in a friendly in 2024 and in the Concacaf Nations League third-place match last year.
He added that he wishes the U.S. success and hopes to see the sport flourish there, but did not particularly enjoy the experience of competing against the nation of his birth.
“I don’t like playing against the U.S. because of that,” Marsch, a former U.S. international, stated. “It tends to become too focused on me and the U.S. Sometimes, even when I comment on our team, people assume I’m doing so to spite the U.S. I’m past that. I want the U.S. to thrive.”
