Canada’s soccer coach, Jesse Marsch, recently seemed to address the ongoing issues with the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) during a press conference on the eve of the Concacaf Gold Cup. His comments followed Christian Pulisic’s decision to skip the tournament due to a need for rest and his frustrations over negative feedback he received.

While speaking with the media, Marsch ensured to emphasize that his squad members are eager to compete in these crucial matches.

“This is the internal pressure we put on each other, there’s no time off,” Marsch stated. “Not one guy called me and said, ‘Coach, I don’t know, it’s been a long year, maybe I don’t come to the Gold Cup.’ Not one guy. Not even close to that conversation.”

A recent announcement from Bayern Munich regarding their player Alphonso Davies only adds to the complexity of managing player workloads during this international window. Though some argue that players like Davies should take a break, it’s clear under Marsch’s leadership, the Canadian team is devoted to their goal.

Despite the controversy surrounding Pulisic’s request for a break, criticism has continued from notable figures like Landon Donovan who weighed in on the matter.

While the Canadian team readies for the Gold Cup, chasing their first Concacaf title since 2000, Marsch’s challenge is to align his players’ intense commitment with their personal well-being, illustrating the diverse motivations between the USMNT and Canada.

With a group stage featuring teams like Honduras, El Salvador, and Curacao, the Canadians aim for a strong run in the tournament, starting with their opener on Tuesday at BC Place in Vancouver.