Clint Dempsey, a legendary figure in U.S. soccer, had strong words for former national team assistant Jesse Marsch, who remarked on Thursday that some American players ‘needed encouragement to sing the anthem’ before matches.
As Canada prepared for its World Cup opener against Bosnia-Herzegovina, which ended in a 1-1 draw, Marsch, who currently coaches Canada and previously served as an assistant under Bob Bradley with the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) from 2010 to 2011, stated, “In the U.S., sometimes we had to beg players to sing the national anthem.”
Upon hearing Marsch’s comments, Dempsey, now an analyst for Fox at the World Cup, responded with the fiery spirit he was known for during his playing career.
“He really said that?” Dempsey questioned live on air ahead of Canada’s match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. “Man, I can’t take this guy too seriously. It was a privilege for me growing up to represent my country. During the national anthem, I wasn’t someone who typically sang; I put my hand over my heart and prayed to the good man upstairs.”
“I’ve bled for this country. I broke my nose playing for this country. I returned to the field after two heart procedures, all for this country.”
“I won’t take advice from someone who has switched sides and sings another country’s national anthem. And as my boy Titi [Thierry Henry] would say, stay in your own lane. It looks like he’s riding a moped; he should focus on his own team.”
Marsch has had a turbulent relationship with U.S. Soccer, especially after being overlooked for the national team head coach role in 2023 following the expiration of Gregg Berhalter’s contract after the 2022 World Cup.
In recent years, Marsch has voiced his frustrations with U.S. Soccer, claiming in May 2024 that he didn’t feel he was treated well by the federation he once played for and coached.
Dempsey and Landon Donovan, who each hold the record for the most goals scored for the U.S. with 57, were part of the 2010 World Cup team that reached the round of 16 in South Africa, with Marsch acting as an assistant.
Marsch used his comments about U.S. players to emphasize the dedication and enthusiasm he’s witnessed from the Canadian squad since he took over as manager just over two years ago. “These guys (the Canadian players) sing the national anthem with pride, belting it out to show their country how proud they are to be Canadians and represent what Canada stands for,” he said on Thursday.
On Friday, Marsch led Canada to its first-ever World Cup point against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Canada will face Switzerland and Qatar to conclude Group B play as it aims to advance to the knockout stage for the first time.
Information from The Associated Press was included in this report.