When Marsch kept Leeds in the Premier League on the final day of the 2022-23 season, he could hardly have envisaged he would be sacked a few months later.
But that is what happened after a run of seven games without a win, with Marsch later describing the decision as “foolish”.
It was a significant setback for the 52-year-old, who had long held an ambition to coach at the highest level. But another chance came in 2024, with the USA job.
The chance to manage his home country would have been a dream come true but, despite believing the job was his, the USA hierarchy decided instead to go with Mauricio Pochettino.
Then came Canada.
Marsch was offered the position in May 2024 and he took it with the promise he would “unite the Canadian soccer community”, with the goal of having them ready to be competitive for the 2026 World Cup.
“I think what happened with the USA role burns with him, but it burns with him in a way that helps him now,” Soccer America’s Scott French, who has previously worked with Marsch, told BBC Sport.
“He has a chip on his shoulder.”
Marsch threw himself fully into the role, travelling to nine cities in 10 days, holding meetings with fans and taking in as much Canadian culture as he could.
He also worked on developing deep personal connections with members of the Canada squad, making individual visits or inviting the players and their families to his home in Italy for holidays.
There is little doubt that the hard yards he put in during those early days has paid off, with a close bond between him, the players and the fans having developed.
One example of his influence on the players involves Liam Miller, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in late 2024.
At times the midfielder questioned whether he would be able to return to anything like the player he was before, but Marsch – as he does with anyone who has suffered a bad injury – spent a significant amount of time visiting him and checking in on him.
When Miller was undergoing rehabilitation in Italy, Marsch invited the midfielder to spend time with him and his family at their home there.
Miller not only returned to full fitness but helped Hull City secure promotion back to the Premier League at the end of last season, and is now an important player for Canada at this World Cup.
“I’ve got to know all the players but Liam I have got to know really well and I think our relationship has become something that he has come to rely on,” Marsch said.
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