In a bold statement ahead of Canada’s Copa America opener, head coach Jesse Marsch has emphasized the need for his team to play “fearless” football when they take on Lionel Messi and the Argentine national team. This game marks Marsch’s first competitive fixture since taking over the Canadian team last month.
A New Era Under Marsch
Marsch, the former manager of RB Leipzig and Leeds United, stepped into his role with the Canadian national team following the tenure of John Herdman. Herdman led Canada to their first World Cup in 36 years, setting a high bar for his successor. Marsch’s tenure began with a 4-0 defeat to the Netherlands, but he saw significant improvements in a subsequent 0-0 draw against France.
Facing the World Champions
Canada’s opening match against Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions and 15-time Copa America winners, presents a formidable challenge. Despite this, Marsch remains optimistic, emphasizing organization, discipline, and aggression.
“I think an organized and disciplined team will be important. We’ve talked a lot about that. And then an aggressive team, you know, a team that plays fearless, a team that goes after the game,” Marsch stated. He acknowledged the difficulty of facing a team with Argentina’s caliber but focused on the opportunity for growth and proving Canada’s potential on the international stage.
Defensive Discipline Against Messi
Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, poses a significant threat, and Marsch is acutely aware of the challenges in limiting his impact. “The challenge with Messi is not just his quality, but his ability to move around in the game,” Marsch explained. He highlighted the importance of maintaining awareness of Messi’s position and closing down space to mitigate his influence.
Building on Past Foundations
Marsch praised the groundwork laid by Herdman and expressed confidence in his team’s ability to adapt to new demands. “I think we’re stronger for that, I think there’s a high level of belief, and now it is a big test once more to see how we hold up and can we execute,” he said. Marsch is optimistic about his team’s ability to perform well against Argentina, viewing the match as a significant opportunity for development and demonstrating their capabilities.
Looking Ahead
As Canada prepares to face one of the toughest teams in the tournament, Marsch’s call for fearless football will be crucial. The match against Argentina is not just about the result but also about setting the tone for Canada’s future in international competitions.
