Canada coach Jesse Marsch has spoken of his disappointment at the poor performance of the USMNT at Copa América as his side prepare to take on Venezuela in the quarter-finals on Friday.
The 50-year-old American coach led Canada to the last eight with a 1-0 win over Peru to finish second in Group A behind holders Argentina, while the US failed to progress from the group stage after a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay.
Id like to say that Im only focused on what were doing here in Canada, but obviously Im paying attention to the US mens national team as I always do, and like you, Im sad, the coach said on Thursday.
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Im disappointed with the performances, the lack of discipline. There are a lot of things that I think weve tried to embody about the game in the US, and weve always believed in this group of players.
The former Leeds United boss added that Gregg Berhalters side need to find solutions to their problems. Im not there every day, so I dont have my finger on the pulse of whats going on, but its certainly not what we expected coming into this tournament, Marsch said.
When Berhalters contract as USMNT coach expired after the 2022 World Cup, Marsch was seen as the frontrunner for the job after his exit from Leeds. Instead, US Soccer returned to Berhalter. During the Concacaf Nations League in March, Marsch worked as a TV analyst for CBS and the pair exchanged shots over Berhalters handling of Gio Reyna. In a final appearance on his podcast, Marsch said he wasnt treated very well by US Soccer during the manager hunt without elaborating.
You know, US Soccer had the chance to hire me, Marsch told the Guardian in May. They have nobody to look at but themselves, especially if thats the question theyre asking. In the end I have the freedom in my life to do whats best for me and myself.
Pressure is growing on US Soccer to replace Berhalter after a dismal tournament performance. Earlier on Thursday, the USMNTs largest supporters group called for Berhalters ouster.
There needs to be accountability and a plan to move forward for the USMNT, the American Outlaws wrote in a statement. Its time to make a change in the head coaching position. Our Copa América is over too soon. It was a moment to show progress for the USMNTs aspirations, create thousands of new lifelong fans and build energies in communities nation-wide.
Berhalter has led the team to seven wins, six losses and one draw since returning in September, including a 5-1 hammering from Colombia in a Copa América tune-up game. We have heard from our members and chapter leaders that the USMNT needs change, the Outlaws said. Change is necessary to prepare to compete at a home World Cup.
After missing out on the USMNT job, Marsch was hired by Canada in May, guiding the team to the quarter-finals in their maiden Copa América, And they will be hoping to advance to the semi-finals with a victory over Venezuela on Friday, who finished top of Group B after winning all three of their matches.