After his departure from Leeds United in February 2023, Jesse Marsch has finally landed his first job back in management as the head coach of Canada’s national team. The announcement came late last night, just in time for the upcoming Copa America this summer, with his contract set to run until after the 2026 World Cup, where Canada will be co-hosts. There is a slight possibility that Marsch could come up against the man he replaced at Leeds, Marcelo Bielsa, who is now managing Uruguay.
Despite interest from clubs like Leicester City, Southampton, AS Monaco, and Celtic since his departure from Leeds, Marsch ultimately ended up with the national team role. His time at Leeds was met with criticism, as he only managed to secure two wins in 17 Premier League matches, ultimately leading to the club’s relegation that season. However, Marsch has been vocal in defending his time at Elland Road, pointing to underlying statistics that he believes show progress.
It’s interesting to note that Canada’s official press release painted Marsch’s time at Leeds in a positive light, highlighting his supposed contributions to the team. This has led some to question the accuracy of the portrayal and view it as an attempt to spin his failure at the club. Despite the mixed reactions, Marsch seems determined to make the most of his new opportunity with the Canadian national team.
With only one summer as Leeds manager, Marsch made seven first-team signings, with only Wilfried Gnonto remaining at the club this season. His appointment raises curiosity around how he will perform in his new international role, especially considering the challenges he faced at Leeds. It will be intriguing to see how Marsch navigates this new chapter in his managerial career and whether he can bring success to the Canadian national team.
