Marsch, speaking during a CONCACAF Nations League media day in Inglewood, California, told reporters he considered Trump's repeated suggestions that Canada would be better off as a US state "unsettling and frankly insulting".
Jesse Marsch, the American-born head coach of the Canadian men's football team, took aim at President Donald Trump on Wednesday and suggested he back off the "ridiculous rhetoric" of making Canada the 51st US state.
The comments by Marsch, who took over at the helm of the national team last May, come ahead of the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals when Canada face Mexico and the United States meet Panama.
The former Leeds United coach called Canada a strong independent nation that was "deep-rooted in decency" and said he was proud to be the team's coach.
"But one thing's for sure, when I look forward to a month from now, 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.
