Clint Dempsey criticizes Jesse Marsch over anthem comments

Clint Dempsey, the US men’s national team’s joint all-time leading scorer, has fired back at Jesse Marsch after the Canada coach suggested that American players had to be begged to sing the Star-Spangled Banner. Speaking to reporters this week before Canada’s World Cup opener – a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday in Toronto – Marsch was praising the pride of his own team when he drew a comparison with US players. Marsch was an assistant for the USMNT from 2010 to 2011, including at the World Cup in South Africa, and became the first American to manage Canada when he was appointed two years ago.

Canada coach: Had to beg US players to sing anthem Marsch was assistant for USMNT from 2010-11 Dempsey says it was an ‘honor’ to represent country Clint Dempsey, the US men’s national team’s joint all-time leading scorer, has fired back at Jesse Marsch after the Canada coach suggested that American players had to be begged to sing the Star-Spangled Banner. Speaking to reporters this week before Canada’s World Cup opener – a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday in Toronto – Marsch was praising the pride of his own team when he drew a comparison with US players. Marsch was an assistant for the USMNT from 2010 to 2011, including at the World Cup in South Africa, and became the first American to manage Canada when he was appointed two years ago. Continue reading...

United States legend Clint Dempsey had some choice words for former national team assistant Jesse Marsch, who suggested Thursday that some American players needed encouragement to sing the anthem ahead of games.

Clint Dempsey did not like Jesse Marsch questioning the pride of U.S. soccer players.

Marsch said that he had to “beg” United States players to sing the national anthem during his time in the setup

Marsch said this week that when he was a USMNT assistant he sometimes had to "beg" players to sing the national anthem