The Canadian men’s national team has called on one of the modern-day American head coaches.
Jesse Marsch has been named the new head coach of Canada, the federation announced Monday. Marsch will begin his role immediately with Canada set for summer involvement at the 2024 Copa America this June.
The 50-year-old last served as manager of English Premier League side Leeds United from February 2022-23. He helped Leeds United avoid relegation during the second half of the 2021-22 campaign but eventually was fired in Feb. 2023.
“After extensive consultation with expert stakeholders and a rigorous search process, I am delighted to make today’s announcement,” Canada Soccer CEO & General Secretary Kevin Blue said. “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’s been a successful manager at the highest levels of global football, helped advance a Concacaf nation out of the group stage at the FIFA World Cup, and is an experienced builder who will make a significant impact on the landscape of our sport. I’m excited to welcome him back to Canada.”
Marsch was previously a reported finalist for the managerial vacancy with the South Korea men’s national team. He also reportedly interviewed with U.S. Soccer for the men’s national team opening before the federation re-hired Gregg Berhalter last year.
A former MLS player, Marsch also served as manager of the New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig before his move to England in 2022. He’s lifted six trophies during his time as a head coach including winning a pair of domestic doubles in Austria with Red Bull Salzburg.
Canada is set to face both the Netherlands and France in a pair of pre-Copa America friendlies before taking on Argentina, Peru, and Chile in group stage play at the tournament.
