BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – MAY 22: Leeds United coach Jesse Marsch celebrates after the Premier League match between Brentford and Leeds United at Brentford Community Stadium on May 22, 2022 in Brentford, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Leach/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
The Canadian men's national team called upon one of its contemporary American coaches.
Jesse Marsh is the new coach of the Canadian national team The union announced on Monday. Marsh will begin his role immediately as Canada prepares for summer participation in the 2024 Copa America next June.
The 50-year-old coach coached Leeds United in the English Premier League from February 2022 to February 23. He helped Leeds United avoid relegation during the second half of the 2021-22 season but was eventually sacked in February 2023.
“After extensive consultation with expert stakeholders and a rigorous search process, I am pleased to make today’s announcement,” said Kevin Blue, CEO and General Secretary of Canadian Football. “Jesse is a transformational leader who will drive progress for our men's national team – and for Canadian soccer more broadly – as we enter the most important time in the domestic history of our sport.
“He has been a successful coach at the highest levels of world football, helped take CONCACAF out of the group stage of the World Cup, and is an experienced builder who will have a huge impact on the landscape of our sport.” I am excited to welcome him back to Canada.”
Marsh was previously a finalist for the vacant managerial job with the South Korean men's national team. He reportedly interviewed with US Soccer to open for the men's national team before the federation rehired Gregg Berhalter last year.
Marsh, a former Major League Soccer player, served as manager of New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig before moving to England in 2022. He lifted six trophies during his time as head coach, including winning a domestic double in 2022. Austria with Red Bull Salzburg.
Canada is scheduled to face the Netherlands and France in two friendly matches before the Copa America before facing Argentina, Peru and Chile in the group stage of the tournament.
