MONTREAL:
Former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch was named as Canada’s new head coach on Monday as the team prepares for next month’s Copa America in the United States.
The 50-year-old American has been without a job since being fired by Leeds in February last year with the club struggling near the foot of the English Premier League.
Marsch had been touted as a possible United States head coach last year with World Cup coach Gregg Berhalter’s status in limbo.
Berhalter was eventually re-appointed to the role, while Marsch would go on to be linked with other jobs including the vacant South Korea coaching position.
However Marsch, who also coached New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig earlier in his career, will now aim to build on the steady improvement shown by Canada under predecessor John Herdman.
Herdman, who led Canada to the 2022 World Cup, departed last year to take over as coach of Toronto FC.
Canada Soccer said in a statement on Monday that Marsch would now take the helm immediately on a contract that runs through to the end of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
“It is an absolute honour to represent and lead the Canadian men’s national team in our preparation for a home World Cup,” Marsch said in a statement.
“The combination of the new leadership inside of Canada Soccer coupled with the potential of this dynamic player pool has inspired me, and I am ready and eager to take on this massive responsibility.”
In a video announcing his appointment posted on social media by Canada Soccer featuring chief executive Kevin Blue, Marsch hinted he wanted the team to adopt a bold gameplan.
“I appreciate so much your trust and your belief in me,” Marsch told Blue.
“I assure you that I will pay you back at every level. And this team is going to be something the entire Canadian community is going to be so excited about.
“We’re going to play with power and inspiration and we’re going to go for it.”
Marsch’s first games in charge will be friendlies against the Netherlands on June 6 and France on June 9.
