Jesse Marsch on Bob Bradley: 'He is the reason I'm a coach'
In this 1-on-1 interview, Canada's new manager talks about the impact the former TFC coach had on his career and much more.
A chance to work with an exciting player pool was one of the reasons Jesse Marsch agreed to become the new coach of the Canadian men’s soccer team.
But given Canada’s poor results in the aftermath of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Marsch, a 50-year-old American, will have his work cut out for him, even as he takes charge of a side brimming with hugely talented youngsters.
It’ll be a baptism of fire for the former MLS coach of the year as he has very little time to settle in with the Canadian team. First on the agenda is a pair of high-profile international friendlies versus the Netherlands (June 6 in Rotterdam) and France (June 9 in Bordeaux). After that, the Copa América looms where the Reds will face Lionel Messi and reigning World Cup champions Argentina in the tournament’s opening match on June 20 in Atlanta.
Beyond that, Marsch has to get this team back on track ahead of the 2026 World Cup after losing its way since John Herdman’s surprising departure last summer.
In this one-on-one interview with TFC Republic, Marsch talks about the job ahead as coach of the Canadian men's team, the challenges he faces, his views on the team's playing style, the influence that former TFC coach Bob Bradley had on his career, and much more.
This Q&A has been lightly edited and trimmed for brevity and clarity.
