Clint Dempsey is not letting Jesse Marsch's dig at American patriotism slide. The former US national team star, now working as an analyst at the World Cup, unleashed a pointed rebuke after the Canada coach suggested players north of the border take their anthem more seriously than their US counterparts do.
Marsch made the comments Thursday ahead of Canada's World Cup opener, a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina. While praising his current squad's pride, he drew a contrast with his time in the US system. "In the US sometimes we had to beg players to sing the national anthem," Marsch said. "These guys belt it out to the top of their lungs because they want to show the country how proud they are to be here."
Dempsey fired back during Fox Sports' coverage of Canada's match. "He really said that? Man, I can't take this guy too seriously," Dempsey said. "It was an honor for me growing up and represent my country."
The 38-year-old, who tied Landon Donovan for the USMNT's all-time scoring record with 57 goals, detailed his own record of sacrifice for the program. "I'm someone who's bled for this country. I broke my nose playing for this country. I've come back from two heart procedures and played for this country."
Dempsey then pivoted to questioning Marsch's credibility as a critic. "I'm not going to take advice from someone who switched to the other side and is singing another country's national anthem. And as my boy [Thierry Henry] would say, stay in your own lane. It looks like he's in a dang moped, so worry about your own team."
Marsch's move to manage Canada followed his unsuccessful pursuit of the USMNT job. After Gregg Berhalter's contract expired following the 2022 World Cup, Marsch emerged as a leading candidate. The Leeds United coach had previously served as assistant to Bob Bradley during the 2010 World Cup, where Dempsey was on the roster. US Soccer ultimately rehired Berhalter instead, and Marsch later stated he "wasn't treated very well" during the hiring process before landing the Canada position two years ago.
The USMNT faced Paraguay in Los Angeles on Friday. Canada will meet Qatar on June 18.
Author James Rodriguez: "Dempsey's got a point. Marsch's anthem critique rings hollow coming from a guy who couldn't land his dream job and is now coaching the competition."
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