Soccer-I should have quit before Qatar World Cup, says Canada coach Herdman

Oct 21, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC head coach John Herdman calls out his team during the first half against Orlando City SC at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports/File photo

(Reuters) - John Herdman said he wished he had stepped down as coach of Canada's national men's soccer team ahead of last year's World Cup after his sister's suicide and discord within the organisation left him disheartened and unprepared.

In an interview with CBC published on Tuesday, Herdman said the joy of getting Canada to the World Cup for the first time in 36 years quickly faded with the death of his sister Nicola and the discord between players and governing body Soccer Canada.