Canada coach Jesse Marsch says the USMNT ‘lack discipline’ after Copa América knockout

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.

“I’d like to say that I’m only focused on what we’re doing here in Canada, but obviously I’m paying attention to the US men’s national team as I always do, and like you, I’m sad,” the coach said on Thursday.

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“I’m disappointed with the performances, the lack of discipline. There are a lot of things that I think we’ve tried to embody about the game in the US, and we’ve always believed in this group of players.”

The former Leeds United boss added that Gregg Berhalter’s side need to find solutions to their problems. “I’m not there every day, so I don’t have my finger on the pulse of what’s going on, but it’s certainly not what we expected coming into this tournament,” Marsch said.

When Berhalter’s 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 Berhalter’s handling of Gio Reyna. In a final appearance on his podcast, Marsch said he “wasn’t 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 that’s the question they’re asking. In the end I have the freedom in my life to do what’s best for me and myself.”

Pressure is growing on US Soccer to replace Berhalter after a dismal tournament performance. Earlier on Thursday, the USMNT’s largest supporters’ group called for Berhalter’s ouster.

“There needs to be accountability and a plan to move forward for the USMNT,” the American Outlaws wrote in a statement. “It’s 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 USMNT’s 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.