Jesse Marsch (foto: Getty Images)
Canadian soccer has made an ambitious move by appointing American Jesse Marsch as their new national team coach.
This comes as a bit of a surprise, as Marsch had been linked with several top European clubs. He previously managed Leeds, RB Leipzig, and RB Salzburg. Marsch has signed a contract with Canada through the summer of 2026. Notably, his salary arrangement is quite unique.
The Canadian Soccer Association couldn't afford Marsch with its own funds, so Canadian clubs have stepped in to help cover his salary.
Interestingly, Marsch's official title will be "MLS Coach of the Canadian Men's National Soccer Team." This is because the Canadian league is also named MLS, just like the US league. This naming convention isn't uncommon in North America.
It's also worth noting that clubs in MLS often co-fund teams under NCAA competitions, leveraging this for positive PR, similar to this situation.
Despite facing significant financial challenges, the Canadian Soccer Association boasts talented players who made a strong impression at the World Cup in Qatar. It will be exciting to see how the team develops under the guidance of 50-year-old Marsch in the coming years.