Canada head coach Jesse Marsch says he doesn't hold a grudge against the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) after being passed over for the men's head coaching job three years ago.
"There's definitely not a grudge. People want to take it that way, which is fine," Marsch told reporters, including ESPN's Jeff Carlisle, ahead of Tuesday's friendly between Canada and the United States. "I don't mind. I think you know me well enough to know that I don't really care what people think too much."
He added, "I know that the U.S. is a good team, and they're someone that we measure ourselves against, and I want to do everything I can to give these guys the best opportunity to go out and play at their best and win the match."
Marsch admitted earlier this year that he was "devastated and angry" after the USSF overlooked him in the summer of 2023 and rehired Gregg Berhalter instead. Marsch had turned down other jobs because he believed himself to be the front-runner to replace Berhalter.
The former New York Red Bulls and Leeds United manager went on to accept the head coaching role with the Canadian men's national team in May 2024.
Since his appointment, the team's rivalry with the United States has intensified thanks to Canada's improved competitiveness on the pitch and rising political tensions off the field. Marsch says that the combining factors have given the game increased importance.
"Here we are now, the big talk in America is Lake Ontario, Lake America, this kind of crap," Marsch said. "In the end, I don't have to sit in front of the guys and say, 'OK guys, we're playing the U.S. This is an important game. We have to get ready, and we have to make sure that we're at our best.'
"They don't need reminders when we play the U.S. But to be fair, it's different with Mexico. But because we have respect for the U.S., because we have respect for Mexico, we want to continue to show that we are on the level that they are or above them. And the best way to do that is to perform and win."
The United States has beaten its northern neighbor 20 times in 44 games, but Canada has emerged victorious in the last two meetings.
"I think the rivalry is better than it's ever been, more because the two teams are good," he said.
