Why Jesse Marsch’s new job title is ‘MLS Canada Men’s National Team Head Coach’ after taking manager role

In one of the weirdest situations in global football, Canada Soccer has officially named their men’s managerial position after Major League Soccer.

It was announced yesterday that former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch would be leading that Canadian men’s national team.

But in the press release, it was revealed that the three largest soccer clubs in the country donated significant capital to help land the American manager.

‘The appointment of Marsch is assisted by major philanthropic contributions from the owners of the three Canadian-based MLS clubs – Vancouver Whitecaps, Joey Saputo [owner of CF Montreal], and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment [owners of Toronto FC] – and supplemented by other private donors,’ the press release read.

‘In recognition of their significant philanthropic support, Marsch’s position will be formally titled as the MLS Canada Men’s National Team Head Coach during the term of his initial contract.

‘This type of donor recognition is common at universities and hospitals, in NCAA sports, and is starting to be used in the Canadian sport system.’ 

It isn’t clear how much Marsch’s contract is or how much the three Canadian MLS teams paid in order to help get the coach to join.

The release also says, ‘These commitments are part of a forthcoming major gifts program that will provide Canadian philanthropists with a structured opportunity to support Canada Soccer programs of all types – including the Men’s and Women’s National Team systems, from youth teams up through the senior national teams.’

Canada Soccer has been going through serious financial struggles in recent years, something that was highlighted by former manager John Herdman prior to his departure.

After his team lost to the United States in the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Final, Herdman said, ‘I think it’s not a secret the organization has been suffering financially even through the World Cup qualification. You had coaches raising money to make sure we’ve got charter flights, security on those charter flights…’

He added: ‘We’ve got to figure this out financially. We’ve got to get serious about winning a World Cup. When you play at home, you get a chance to win it. You get a chance to get to a quarterfinal, a semifinal, and then get on that roll to win it. 

‘And we’re not serious. We brought a World Cup to our country and we’re not serious about winning it.’

Canada Soccer has had serious financial issues, as criticized by former coach John Herdman

Canada is in the midst of a golden generation – manned by the likes of Alphonso Davies

Marsch appears to be serious about winning with Canada, and called taking the job an ‘absolute honor’ in a press release on Monday.

‘The combination of the new leadership inside of Canada Soccer coupled with the potential of this dynamic player pool has inspired me, and I am ready and eager to take on this massive responsibility,’ Marsch said. 

‘My excitement and anticipation to get started are immense. One of my main goals will be to help unite the soccer community in Canada to support our efforts to be successful on and off the pitch.’

Marsch will face a tough start to his career with Canada – with friendlies against Holland and France leading into their Copa America group of Argentina, Peru, and Chile.

Canada is in the midst of one of its most talented generations ever – with the likes of Alphonso Davies, Tajon Buchanan, and Jonathan David among others starring for the national team.