Head coach Steve McClaren acknowledged Jamaica’s gritty effort after they secured prime spot of their CONCACAF Nations League group, however admitted the workforce had room for enchancment following their 0-0 draw with Honduras on Monday.
Whereas the Reggae Boyz’ efficiency lacked aptitude, McClaren emphasised the significance of their resilience underneath stress.
“The imaginative and prescient was to complete prime. We had a nasty begin to the group, and I’ve to offer credit score to the workforce for the way they recovered with away wins at Honduras and Nicaragua,” McClaren acknowledged after the sport. “Everyone knew there have been three groups going for the 2 prime spots, and you may see some nervousness. The important thing factor is we’re prime of the league.”
McClaren’s aspect solely wanted a draw to advance to the quarter-finals, which appeared to impression their method. “While you want a draw, the mentality can get in the way in which,” he admitted. “We stated at half-time that we needed to be resilient and guarantee we bought the end result. We delivered, and the end result was extra essential than the precise efficiency.”
Disappointing draw in opposition to Cuba
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Jamaica’s marketing campaign began shakily with a disappointing draw in opposition to Cuba, putting them underneath stress within the last. Ultimately, they responded with essential away wins in opposition to Honduras and Nicaragua.
“After the primary recreation in opposition to Cuba, we had been underneath stress, however the Boyz delivered,” McClaren stated. The draw secured their place not solely on the prime of the group but additionally within the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Although they struggled to manage the tempo and tempo of the sport, McClaren praised the workforce’s defensive group. “We made too many errors, however the restoration and willpower to maintain a clear sheet had been good. Credit score to all people for that. Eleven defend, 11 assault – all of them did that,” McClaren famous.
Within the different group video games, Trinidad and Tobago defeated Cuba 3-1, whereas Nicaragua edged French Guiana. As McClaren mirrored on the marketing campaign, he admitted his workforce wasn’t at their greatest. “We are able to play higher, however we topped the group, and now we look ahead to the draw,” he stated.
Stays optimistic
Regardless of his critique, McClaren stays optimistic in regards to the squad’s potential as they intention for consistency forward of the knockout rounds. “I’m studying, and the extra errors I make, the faster I’ll study. However we’ve bought good gamers. We’re not fluid in the meanwhile, however the gamers perceive what we are attempting to implement.”
Jamaica now joins top-ranked groups like america, Mexico, and Panama within the knockout stage, with McClaren desperate to see who they’ll face subsequent.
Groups: Jamaica – Andre Blake, Dexter Lebekisa, Mason Holgate, Nathon Pinnock, Ethan Pinnock, Demarai Grey (Jahshaun Anglin 83rd), Kasey Palmer (Karoy Anderson 75th), Michail Antonio (Romario Williams 83rd), Joel Latibeaudiere, Tyreek Magee (Kaheim Dixon 60th), Norman Campbell (Renaldo Cephas 46th), Greg Leigh
Booked: Antonio (78th)
Subs not used: Shaquan Davis, Jahmali Waite, Richard King, Kevon Lambert, Bobby Reid, Tayvon Grey, Jonathan Bell.
Honduras – Edrick Menjivar, Denil Maldonado, Luis Vega, Kerwin Arriaga, Rigoberto Rivas (Jose Pinto 85th), Joseph Rosales, Antony Lozano (Jorge Benguche 64th), Andy Najar, Edwin Rodriquez (Cristopher Melendez sixty fourth), Deybi Flores, Jorge Alvarez (Bryan Acosta 79th).
Booked: Arriaga (56th), Melendez (88th)
Subs not used: Marlon Licona, Harold Fonseca, Alexander Lopez, Devron Garcia, , Carlos Pineda, Bryan Rochez, Franklin Flores, Rubilio Castillo
Referee: Armando Villarreal (USA)
Assistant Referee 1: Cory Richardson (USA)
Assistant Referee 2: Jeremy Kieso (USA)
Fourth Official: Adonis Carrasco (Dominican Republic)
