'Excited' - Former Southampton target eager to work with 4G/A Saints regular

Former Southampton target Jesse Marsch is eager to work with 4G/A Saints regular Cyle Larin ahead of next week’s international break.

Three years ago, Southampton were grappling in the 2022/23 Premier League relegation fight. The Saints had sacked former bosses Ralph Hassenhuttl and Nathan Jones for being unable to steer the club outside of the relegation zone.

As expected, Sport Republic were onto another manager search at the time and ex-Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch caught their attention. Soon enough, Marsch to Southampton was considered a done deal with enough rumours floating around St. Mary’s.

That didn’t happen in reality. Rather the Saints turned to former No.2 Ruben Selles and later the likes of Russell Martin, Ivan Juric, Will Still and now Tonda Eckert as the club’s permanent managers. As such, Jesse Marsch couldn’t train the Southampton first-team squad back in the day.

That seems to change now, as one Saints regular is set for a prominent role under Marsch in the near future.

Jesse Marsch delighted with Cyle Larin’s form

Jesse Marsch was appointed Canada’s national team boss in 2024. Cyle Larin is one of his prominent strikers in the national team setup. As such, there are only a few things that will please Marsch more than watching his players thrive in club football.

As quoted by the Daily Echo, Marsch was delighted for Cyle Larin’s upturn in form. He added: “He’s made a huge impact and is going to come into camp in top form, which is exactly what we need. I couldn’t be more excited for Cyle right now.”

What next for Cyle Larin and Southampton?

Southampton are back in action tomorrow to lock horns with Oxford United at St. Mary’s. Although The U’s are muddled in a relegation struggle of their own, they shocked Saints 2-1 in the reverse away fixture on Boxing Day.

That poor result was part of the 7 game winless run Southampton endured under current boss Tonda Eckert. Cyle Larin wasn’t part of the Saints squad back then. Hence, it’s evident the Canadian striker will be required to add to his 4 G/A for Southampton to help the team defend their 6th placed status now that they have arrived in the playoffs zone.

Southampton do get a healthy break after this crucial Oxford United clash. However, Larin will immediately head to Canada for a couple of friendlies against Euro 2016’s surprise team Iceland and 2026 AFCON participants Tunisia.

2026 World Cup is important for Cyle Larin

Should Cyle Larin bag a few goals in the March international break, his odds of making into Jesse Marsch’s FIFA World Cup starting eleven will increase massively. Being real, the 30-year-old towering forward deserves this reward. Larin lead the line for Canada in the previous 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

He couldn’t score a goal there, but the 2026 tournament presents a good chance for Larin to net his first ever World Cup goal for his nation. Coincidentally, his Canada side have drawn previous World Cup hosts Qatar in their Group B. Switzerland are the other team in Canada’s group with a fourth team yet to be determined.

Cyle Larin and Canada will aim to reach the last 32 of the tournament. Or atleast, a win and a Cyle Larin goal at the bare minimum. After all, the following World Cup will happen in 2030 when Larin would be 35 years old and well past his prime.

Hopefully, Larin gets to net a goal in the 2026 World Cup and achieves a Premier League promotion with Southampton this summer.