Jesse Marsch is optimistic in his first camp as head coach of the Canadian men’s soccer team.
“Everything I felt joining this team, and all that optimism, was surpassed by the work ethic of the players,” Marsch said Wednesday in Rotterdam. And I believe that all of this is attributable not only to the quality and talent of this team, but also to its character. »
Marsch named among other things the team spirit of the players, as well as their “desire to be successful”.
The 50-year-old American will take charge of his first match in charge of Canada (49th in the world) on Thursday, in a friendly against the Netherlands (No. 7) at Stadion Feijenoord, before crossing swords with France (no. 2) in Bordeaux on Sunday.
The games serve as a rehearsal for Canadians ahead of the Copa America, which begins June 20 with a matchup against reigning World Cup champions Argentina. The Netherlands and France are preparing for Euro 2024, which will begin on June 14 in Germany.
“Everyone is looking forward to it. Everyone is excited for these two games and the competitions to come,” said Canadian star Alphonso Davies.
“We are aware that this will be a very tough test,” he added. We are aware that we will have to jump on the pitch and give our full measure… They are a good team, one of the best in Europe, and we will see where we are compared to them. »
Davies highlighted Marsch’s experience as a head coach in Europe and around the world, as well as his track record as a player – 14 seasons in MLS, and two caps in the American team.
“These two feats of arms galvanize the team,” he said.
The fact that Davies accompanied Marsch for the first media availability of Canada’s camp speaks volumes about Soccer Canada’s plan.
Marsch praised his 23-year-old star player, highlighting his “great experiences” in life and professionally.
“What I want him to do now is become a good leader of men, not just a good player, but a leader of this team, someone who takes care of his teammates and knows how to bring everyone back together… And he’s doing a really good job of that so far.
“It’s obvious that he’s excited about the future of this team and the potential it has. And I think he wants to play a bigger and bigger role as we get closer to (the) 2026 World Cup.”
Off the field, Davies mentioned that Marsch asked him “some very difficult questions, which I don’t think about every day.”
“It’s a challenge to answer these questions because it puts me in a position that’s quite uncomfortable for me. But I know it’s part of life. You have to jump at the opportunity. And I’m ready to do it. And I learn from him. Not just from him, but also from the other guys on the team. »
Canada and the Netherlands have met only once before, with the Dutch winning 3-0 at Varsity Stadium in Toronto in June 1994.
“We know it will be very difficult, but I think the guys are looking forward to the challenge,” Marsch said.
The friendlies against the Netherlands and France will be the toughest since the Canadians lost 1-0 to then-No. 2 Belgium at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The representatives of the maple leaf have only crossed swords with France once before, during the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. The French team triumphed 1-0, following a goal in the 79th minute from Jean-Pierre Papin.
Canada will also face Peru (No. 32) and Chile (No. 42) in Group A at the Copa America.