Clint Dempsey has criticised Canada coach Jesse Marsch after Marsch suggested that he had to “beg” United States players to sing the Star-Spangled Banner during his time in the US setup. Marsch made the comment while praising the pride and approach of Canada’s team ahead of Canada’s World Cup opener. Canada’s match is reported as a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto.
Dempsey, the United States men’s national team joint all-time leading scorer, fires back by disputing Marsch’s claim and emphasising that representing the country is an “honor.” The reports note that Marsch previously worked as an assistant coach with the US men’s national team from 2010 to 2011, including during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Marsch is also described as the first American to manage Canada, after being appointed roughly two years ago.
The outlets agree on the central exchange: Marsch’s earlier anthem-related comment about the US, and Dempsey’s rebuttal in response.
