Derided by Leeds, snubbed by USA – but Marsch becoming Canada hero
Jesse Marsch, sacked by Leeds United and overlooked by the USA, has become a hero for Canada after leading them to the knockout stages of the World Cup.
When Jesse Marsch kept Leeds United in the Premier League on the final day of the 2022-23 season, he could hardly have imagined he would be sacked a few months later. But that is what happened after a seven-game winless run, which he later called "foolish".
It was a significant setback for the 52-year-old, who had long held an ambition to coach at the highest level. Another chance came in 2024 with the USA job, but despite believing the role was his, the US hierarchy chose Mauricio Pochettino instead.
Then came Canada. Marsch was offered the position in May 2024 and accepted it with the promise to "unite the Canadian soccer community", targeting competitiveness for the 2026 World Cup. He threw himself into the role, travelling to nine cities in ten days, holding meetings with fans, and immersing himself in Canadian culture.
He also worked on building deep personal bonds with players, visiting them individually or inviting them and their families to his home in Italy. One example is Liam Miller, who suffered an ACL injury in late 2024. Marsch spent significant time with Miller during rehab, even inviting him to stay in Italy. Miller fully recovered, helped Hull City gain promotion, and is now a key player for Canada.
Life with Canada is not perfect, though. A loss to Switzerland in the final group game cost them first place and the chance to stay in Canada for the Round of 32. Marsch tried mind games by benching Alphonso Davies, but later admitted the captain wasn't fit enough to play. "I wanted Switzerland to have to think about him," he said.
Marsch is an emotional coach who, after a 6-0 win over Qatar, paraded around the pitch holding up six fingers to celebrate. Some see it as an act, but journalist Scott French said: "I don't think it is an act at all. Jesse is always Jesse." He noted that Marsch's emotion carries to his players.
Marsch knows people either love or hate him. "The players know now either they have confidence in me or they are stuck with me," he joked. He has already overseen a historic run to the knockout stages and knows that progression to the last 16 would elevate this World Cup campaign from very good to great.
