Landon Donovan Claims Canadian Players and Officials Are Growing Tired of Jesse Marsch

Canada’s disappointing quarterfinal exit from the Gold Cup has triggered internal friction, according to USMNT legend Landon Donovan. Speaking on his Unfiltered Soccer podcast with Tim Howard, Donovan revealed that multiple sources within the Canadian Soccer Federation and among the players have expressed frustration with head coach Jesse Marsch’s outspoken approach. “At first it was fun and helpful, but now they’re just fed up,” Donovan said.

Marsch, known for his bold and candid style, pointed to missing key players as a reason for the loss. Donovan questioned the impact of such statements on the locker room. “If you’re one of the players there, how do you feel when your coach says that?” he asked.

While acknowledging the positives Marsch has brought to Canadian soccer, Donovan warned that overexposure and constant commentary may be hurting the team. “There’s a point where it’s just too much, and people start to tune out,” he noted.

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Donovan hopes Marsch can strike a better balance and help realign the squad’s focus in time for the challenges ahead.