It has been a disappointing Gold Cup campaign for Canada, as the squad led by U.S.-born head coach Jesse Marsch failed to meet expectations on American soil. The Reds were eliminated from the competition at U.S. Bank Stadium by Guatemala, following a disappointing performance in the penalty shootout.
Meanwhile, the USMNT has advanced to the Gold Cup final, where they will face Mexico for the championship match. However, speculation continues to swirl around the team’s coaching situation, with Tim Howard believing that Jesse Marsch could be in line to replace Mauricio Pochettino, who is rumored to be exploring new opportunities beyond the national team.
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Nevertheless, Canada’s performance under Marsch has left some experts skeptical about his potential appointment as USMNT manager, with doubts lingering over his ability to deliver consistent results.
USMNT legend emerges as a leading critic
During their appearance on Unfiltered Soccer, former USMNT stars Landon Donovan and Tim Howard debated the potential arrival of Jesse Marsch as head coach and what it could mean for the future of the Stars and Stripes. As expected, the two shared differing views on the subject, with their contrasting opinions surrounding the team’s next managerial appointment.
On one side, Tim Howard sees Marsch as a potential manager for the USMNT, and he fits perfectly into the job and can apport new things to the growth of soccer in the U.S. Despite his surprising loss against Guatemala, the ex-goalkeeper believes in the potential of the 51-year-old coach.
In contrast, Landon Donovan remains unconvinced, citing both Marsch’s underwhelming Gold Cup campaign and his controversial remarks about player commitment ahead of the tournament.
“Before the tournament, he went out of his way, after a bunch of the U.S. players didn’t come into the tournament, and said that they didn’t want to be a part of the Gold Cup,” Donovan said, and the ex soccer star added. ” not one guy called me and said, “Coach, I don’t know, it’s been a long year, maybe I don’t want to come into the Gold Cup.” Not one guy.” Noticing the compromise of the Canadian players.
Past Statements from Jesse Marsch Stir Debate
Back in March 2024, Jesse Marsch was asked about a potential option to manage the USMNT on the CBS podcast, where the manager was acting as a panelist. At that moment, the head coach of the U.S team was Gregg Berhalter, who was not in a good position to continue in charge of the squad.
That’s when Marsch’s comments regarding the possibility of managing the USMNT first surfaced. “No, I don’t want that job. And by the way, our job when I do this, so I’m new to this media thing, and I do it because I want to continue to be part of the game, and support what’s going on with U.S. Soccer, as a fan of U.S. Soccer and of MLS and everything else.” Marsch stated.
For now, Jesse Marsch remains a spectator as the USMNT prepares to face Mexico in the Gold Cup final. The American side, currently led by Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino, will be aiming to capture its eighth Gold Cup title, while Marsch’s potential future with the team continues to fuel speculation.
