Marsch, the Canadian coach, criticizes Trump for the 51st state discussion

The head coach of the Canadian men’s soccer team, Jesse Marsch, who was born in the United States, criticized President Donald Trump on Wednesday and advised him to stop using the “ridiculous rhetoric” of making Canada the 51st state in the union.

Marsch told reporters that he found Trump’s repeated claims that Canada would be better off as a U.S. state to be “unsettling and frankly insulting” during a CONCACAF Nations League media day in Inglewood, California.

Marsch, who assumed leadership of the national team in May of last year, made the remarks ahead of the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals on March 20, in which the United States will play Panama and Canada will play Mexico.

“These international tournaments for Canada mean something different now,” Marsch stated. And I want to confront the 51st state discourse because, as an American, I find it disturbing and, to be honest, offensive.

“Canada is a powerful, sovereign country with a strong moral foundation. Actually. In contrast to the divisive, rude, and frequently hate-fueled atmosphere that exists in the United States, it is a place that promotes high ethics and respect.

The former Leeds United boss continued by describing Canada as a powerful, sovereign country that was “deep-rooted in decency” and expressed his pride in leading the team.

“As an American, I’m ashamed of the arrogance and disregard that we’ve shown one of our historically oldest, strongest and most loyal allies,” Marsch added.

“But one thing’s for sure, when I look forward to a month from now, is I know that this will fuel our team — the mentality we have, the will we have to play for our country, the desire we have to go after this tournament in every way and to show on and off the pitch exactly what Canadian character is.”