Jesse Marsch was back on British soil for the first time as a manager since being sacked by Leeds United in February 2023, this time as Canada gaffer as his side took on Wales.
Marsch’s Canada were the victors as the former Leeds manager and Wales boss Craig Bellamy made changes at the Swansea City stadium. Both managers have made a brilliant start in their current roles.
It was only Bellamy’s second defeat since becoming Wales manager, with the result not particularly at the forefront of his mind. Indeed, Bellamy would have taken a loss if it meant beating Kazakhstan last week.
They did just that. Marsch, meanwhile, is hoping to build on reaching the Copa America semi-finals last summer. New Rangers signing Derek Cornelius scored the only goal of the game, a stunning free-kick.
Craig Bellamy during Canada's win over Wales.
Photo by Ian Cook – CameraSport/CameraSport via Getty Images
Craig Bellamy didn’t like something Jesse Marsch did on touchline
Leeds fans will remember Marsch’s tenure for a number of reasons. Poor recruitment, strange comments in press conferences, narrow tactics but perhaps most of all, his cringey behaviour on the touchline.
The 2-1 win at Liverpool, Marsch’s best moment as Leeds manager, was followed by a fist pump that made Leeds fans squirm. On Tuesday night, Bellamy was not happy with Marsch’s dugout celebrations.
“Honestly, I’m actually not happy because I really hate losing more than I like winning. I see him (Marsch) celebrating at the end. I’m thinking, ‘I hope I see you at the World Cup. I hope I see you again’,” he said.
Jesse Marsch during Canada's win over Wales.
Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images
Craig Bellamy’s verdict on Leeds United youngster Charlie Crew
One positive from the defeat from a Welsh, and a Leeds perspective, was Charlie Crew. Bellamy handed Crew his second Wales cap and his first start, having not included Crew in the Wales side last week.
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Leeds fans were impressed with Crew, who is back on loan at Doncaster Rovers after spending the second half of last season with the League One side. Bellamy highlighted Crew’s performance after the game.
“It was Charlie Crew’s first start, and we had one or two fringe players. I needed to see the squad and what they picked up with us. Can they play our way? Very impressed with that,” Bellamy said on Crew.
Position Games Played Wins Draws Losses GD Points
1. North Macedonia 5 3 2 0 +9 11
2. Belgium 4 3 1 0 +17 10
3. Wales 5 3 1 1 +5 10
4. Kazakhstan 5 1 0 4 -8 3
5. Liechtenstein 5 0 0 5 -19 0
Still only 19, there is every chance that Crew is included in Bellamy’s World Cup squad next summer with Wales in with a shout of qualification – whether that be finishing above Belgium, or through the play-offs.