Jesse Marsch, Leadership, and Why Canada Is Peaking at the Right Time
Jesse Marsch may still divide opinion in European football circles, but former Canada international David Edgar believes the national team head coach is widely misunderstood. More importantly, Edgar believes Marsch is the right man to guide Canada into the most significant tournament in its history.
David Edgar has given an exclusive interview with BetVictor Canada where he discussed Marsch’s reputation, the pressure of a home World Cup, and why Canada’s current trajectory feels different.
“I think the media can be unfair, especially in the UK,” Edgar said. “I think Jesse was probably treated unfairly.”
Edgar pointed to Marsch’s time at Leeds United as a reminder of how volatile modern football has become. Managers rarely receive patience, and long-term projects often disappear before they begin.
“Sometimes that message is just an arm around the shoulder,” Edgar said.
Now, Marsch finds himself in what Edgar considers the most respected job in Canadian football. Coaching the national team at a home World Cup carries expectation, scrutiny, and opportunity.
“If you’re Canada Soccer and you’ve gone and got a name like Jesse Marsch,” Edgar said, “if you don’t get out of the group stage at a home World Cup, I don’t think you continue as the manager.”
Canada is Peaking
Despite that pressure, Edgar believes Canada enters this cycle stronger than regional rivals. He sees the US and Mexico as nations still searching for identity, while Canada has found momentum.
“The hype should be around Canada,” Edgar said. “We’re kind of peaking right now.”
A major reason is leadership through the spine of the team. Edgar highlighted Stephen Eustáquio as a stabilizing presence and Ismaël Koné as a difference-maker.
“He’s probably one of the best footballers I’ve ever seen live watching him in training,” Edgar said of Koné.
Marsch’s aggressive, high-tempo style also fits Canada’s athletic profile. Edgar believes that approach can trouble even elite opponents.
“If you’re on the other side of it,” he said, “flip a coin.”
For Edgar, Marsch’s success will be judged simply. Results matter. Canada has arrived on the world stage. Now it must stay there.
