Jesse Marsch expresses shame on Trump’s address to Canada as US and Canada may face off in Concacaf Nations League.
Jesse Marsch took direct aim at Donald Trump and the current state of discourse in the US in comments to media on Wednesday.
“If I have one message to our president, it’s lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada being the 51st state,” said Marsch, who grew up in Wisconsin and enjoyed a 13-year career in Major League Soccer before moving into coaching. “As an American, I’m ashamed of the arrogance and disregard that we’ve shown one of our historically oldest, strongest and most loyal allies.”
In Los Angeles, Marsch was speaking to the media alongside other officials from the four countries competing in the Concacaf Nations League finals, which will be held at SoFi Stadium at the end of next month. There is a chance that the United States and Panama may play each other in the Nations League final or third-place match on March 23 because Canada and Mexico will play each other in a semi-final on March 20.
Throughout his second administration, Trump has frequently irritated Canada with remarks and official policy ideas like tariffs. In addition to proposing tariffs that analysts believe would start a trade war between the two nations, he has often stated that Canada may become “the 51st state” of the United States.
The sports community has already responded favourably to Trump’s remarks. At NHL and NBA games in Canada, the US national anthem was frequently jeered, and the nations’ meeting at the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off turned into a blatantly political spectacle. Before Canada’s victory in the tournament’s final sparked wild celebrations, the singer of the country’s national anthem modified the song’s lyrics in a clear jab at Trump.
Given the current political environment, Marsch, the former head coach of Leeds United, RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg, and the New York Red Bulls, stated on Wednesday that international competitions like the Nations League “mean something different now.” He also called the 51st state discourse “unsettling and frankly insulting.”
“Canada is a strong, independent nation that’s deeply rooted in decency, and it’s a place that values high ethics and respect, unlike the polarized, disrespectful and often now, hate-fueled climate that’s in the US,” Marsch said. “It’s one of the things that I’ve enjoyed the most about our team, is that they exemplify this as human beings and as a team … So for me right now I couldn’t be prouder to be the Canadian national team coach. I found a place that embodies, for me, the ideals and morals of what not just football and a team is, but what life is, and that’s integrity, respect and the belief that good people can do great things together.”