Clint Dempsey responds to Jesse Marsch’s national anthem remarks
Clint Dempsey, the US men’s national team’s joint all-time leading scorer, has strongly criticized Jesse Marsch, the Canada coach, following Marsch’s comments suggesting that US players had to be begged to sing the Star-Spangled Banner before matches. Marsch made the remarks while praising the pride of the Canadian team ahead of their World Cup opener.
Why this matters
The exchange highlights differing perspectives on national pride and player conduct in international soccer. As both the US and Canada compete on the world stage, comments about respect for national symbols can affect team morale and public perception. Dempsey’s response also reflects the sensitivity surrounding national identity and loyalty in sports.
Background
Jesse Marsch, who has been Canada’s head coach since his appointment two years ago, was previously an assistant coach for the US men’s national team from 2010 to 2011, including during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Speaking before Canada’s World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Marsch said, “In the US sometimes we had to beg players to sing the national anthem.” He contrasted this with the Canadian team, saying, “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, to be Canadians and to represent what Canada is.”
Dempsey’s response
Clint Dempsey, who played for the US at the 2010 World Cup when Marsch was an assistant coach, responded during a Fox Sports pregame show. He expressed disbelief at Marsch’s statement and defended his own commitment to the US team:
“He really said that? Man, I can’t take this guy too seriously. It was an honor for me growing up and represent my country. When the national anthem happened, I wasn’t someone who normally would sing. I put my hand over my heart, and I’d pray to the good man upstairs. 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 also criticized Marsch for coaching another country, saying, “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.”
Additional context
After the 2022 World Cup, when Gregg Berhalter’s contract as USMNT coach expired, Marsch was considered a frontrunner for the position following his departure from Leeds United. However, the US Soccer Federation rehired Berhalter. Marsch has publicly stated that he “wasn’t treated very well” by US Soccer during the coaching search. Marsch also made two appearances as a player for the US national team.
Upcoming matches
- The US opened their World Cup campaign against Paraguay in Los Angeles.
- Canada drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opener in Toronto and will face Qatar in their second game on 18 June.
Recommended reading
For more context, see related Peack News coverage and explainers linked below.
