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In the netherworld of recruiting and hustling world-class footballers, Canada defender Derek Cornelius appreciates an active and passionate manager.
“(Jesse Marsch) is out there scrapping for us, and it makes us want to scrap on the pitch for him,” Cornelius told Postmedia Sports of Canada’s men’s national team coach. “It’s been nice to see, and a special feeling to have a coach that has gone above and beyond to better the sport in Canada. For us, as players, it is very reassuring to know the gaffer has our best interests (at heart).”
When Marsch assumed the role of the men’s national team back in May, one of his primary goals was to recruit domestic and dual national talent to further bolster an already talented squad.
“(Recruiting players) has taken on a life, almost like a college recruitment style with some pump-up videos, some videos from current players, with a comparison of how they play and how we play,” Marsch said. “There are some pretty special gifts that we bring along when we see guys.”
One of Marsch’s recent dual national recruits was Niko Sigur. The Burnaby, B.C., born midfielder played his youth soccer in Canada before leaving for Slovenia in early 2022. Sigur played for the Croatian U21 team, later elevated to stand-by status for the senior squad at Euro 2024.
Sigur reversed direction in August and was in the Canadian lineup for the friendly against Mexico on Sept. 10.
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Stephen Afrifa of Sporting Kansas City is a Canadian born talent also eligible to play for Ghana. He made his national camp debut during the September international window, but didn’t play against the U.S. or Mexico, and Daniel Jebbison of AFC Bournemouth in the EPL is another possible target of Marsch.
The former gaffer at Red Bull Salzburg and Leeds United appeals to their sense of nationalism. No doubt, hosting the World Cup in 2026, partners with Mexico and the U.S., provides a further incentive.
“All of them have Canadian-ness in them, some are born in this country, and some have parents born in this country, and trying to translate to them in their world the importance of representing this national team, this country and what it means in a run to the World Cup in 2026,” Marsch said.
But Marsch’s recruiting job isn’t all flash and bang, it’s more about selling AAA steak not just the sizzle.
“Anyone who has been around this group, something that comes across so clearly is the genuineness, the kindness, the togetherness of each player and what it means to play for the Canadian national team,” Marsch said. “As an American, I try to translate that to them in a way that even makes me proud.”
Canada plays host to Suriname in the second leg of Nations League quarterfinal action. Kick-off is 7:30 p.m. at BMO Field on Tuesday.
Canada holds a 1-0 lead after Junior Hoillet scored an 82nd minute goal on a weighted cross from Jonathan David.
The winner will advance to the Nations League semifinal in March.