Dempsey slams Marsch over U.S. anthem claim: Stay in lane - ESPN

United States legend Clint Dempsey had some choice words for former national team assistant Jesse Marsch, who suggested Thursday that some American players needed encouragement to sing the anthem ahead of games.

Speaking ahead of Canada's World Cup opener against Bosnia-Herzegovina — which ended in a 1-1 draw — Marsch, who coaches Canada and was an assistant to Bob Bradley with the USMNT in 2010-11, said: «In the U.S., sometimes we had to beg players to sing the national anthem.»

When he learned about Marsch's remarks, Dempsey, an analyst for Fox at the World Cup, responded in the fiery way that characterized his play during his time with the U.S.

«He really said that?» Dempsey asked on air Friday ahead of the match between Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina. «Man, I can't take this guy too seriously. It was an honor for me growing up and represent my country. When the national anthem happened, I wasn't someone who normally would sing. I put my hand over my heart, and I'd pray to the good man upstairs.

»I'm someone who's bled for this country. I broke my nose playing for this country. I've come back from two heart procedures and played for this country.

«I'm not going to take advice from someone who switched to the other side and singing another country's national anthem. And as my boy Titi [Thierry Henry] would say, stay in your own lane. It looks like he's in a dang moped, so worry about your own team.»

Marsch has had a contentious relationship with U.S. Soccer since being passed over for the national team head coach position in 2023 after Gregg Berhalter's contract expired following the 2022 World Cup.

In recent years, Marsch has aired his frustrations with U.S. Soccer more than once, saying in May 2024 that he wasn't