Jesse Marsch sparked controversy before Canada even kicked a ball at the World Cup, and it did not take long for Clint Dempsey to respond.
The Canada head coach praised his current squad’s passion but contrasted it with his experience around the United States setup.
Marsch said that, during his time with the USMNT, they sometimes had to “beg” American players to sing the national anthem.
That comment landed badly because of who heard it. Dempsey, who played under Bob Bradley at the 2010 World Cup and became a national icon, had no interest in letting Marsch’s words pass quietly.
Clint Dempsey fires back at Jesse Marsch over USMNT anthem claim
Speaking on Fox before Canada’s opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dempsey made it clear he did not appreciate Marsch questioning the pride of American players.
The former Fulham star said: “Man, I can’t take this guy too seriously. I mean, it was an honor for me growing up and representing my country. When the National Anthem happened, I wasn’t someone who normally would sing. I put my hand over my heart and I prayed to the good man upstairs.”
Dempsey’s response carried weight because his USMNT career was defined by commitment. He scored at three World Cups, finished tied for the programme’s all-time scoring record and returned from serious physical setbacks to keep playing for his country.
“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. So, 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 Titi would say, ‘stay in your own lane.’ It looks like he’s on a moped, so worry about your own team,” he concluded.
Marsch and Dempsey were both part of the USMNT setup at the 2010 World Cup, with Marsch serving as an assistant coach under Bob Bradley, adding another layer to their disagreement.
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