Jesse Marsch reveals USMNT call blocked Leicester City appointment
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has revealed he was minutes away from managing Leicester City in April 2023 before a surprise call from US Soccer altered his career path.
The former Leeds United manager was finalising visa formalities at Leicester’s training facility when the United States Men’s National Team made contact.
Expecting to succeed Gregg Berhalter as the American head coach, the 52-year-old abruptly ended negotiations with the Foxes.
Late change of heart by US Soccer
However, officials ultimately decided to reappoint Berhalter, leaving the experienced tactician without a managerial role.
The USMNT position has since transitioned again, with former Tottenham and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino taking charge in September 2024.
Despite the unexpected setback, the Wisconsin native harbours no regrets regarding the collapsed Premier League return.
“I got a call from US Soccer when I was literally being fingerprinted at Leicester,” Marsch explained.
“I was ready to take that job, so it changed the trajectory of my life.”
Preparing Canada for a home World Cup
Following his departure from Elland Road in February 2023, the American coach has found a new balance managing international football alongside a quiet life in Italy.
He now spends his mornings cultivating an olive farm near Pisa before shifting his focus to North American time zones in the afternoon.
His primary objective is preparing the Canadian national squad for the 2026 World Cup, which the country will co-host alongside the United States and Mexico.
“I think things happen for a reason, and I’m happy with where I am right now,” he added.
