KINGSTON, Jamaica – Head coach Steve McClaren is rallying his Jamaica Reggae Boyz to safe victory of their decisive CONCACAF Nations League conflict towards Honduras on Monday evening, emphasizing that the win is essential for his or her development to the semi-finals and to complete as group winners.
Talking on Sunday forward of the match on the Nationwide Stadium, McClaren underscored the significance of capitalizing on their present place on the high of League A, Group B. Jamaica leads the group by only a single level, and McClaren is adamant that his workforce must “end the job” to advance within the event.
“We’ve put ourselves in a very good place to complete high of the group, however now we have to shut it out,” McClaren stated. “The message to the gamers is evident: win the sport. That’s a very powerful factor proper now.”
Jamaica presently sits atop the standings with seven factors, one forward of second-placed Honduras. Nicaragua follows on 4, forward of Cuba on three, Trinidad and Tobago on two and French Guiana on the rear of the listing on one level.
Calling for a full home
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A win would assure them a spot within the ultimate 4, whereas a draw or loss may open the door for his or her Central American rivals to overhaul them. McClaren can also be calling for a full home on the Nationwide Stadium to assist push his gamers over the road.
“One among our targets is to fill the stadium, to have it rocking with the followers behind us,” McClaren urged. “It’s about greater than intimidating the opposition; it’s about uplifting our gamers. A passionate house crowd provides you that additional 10, 20 % to get the end result, and that’s what we want.”
The Reggae Boyz will likely be with out key defender Damion Lowe, who’s serving a one-match suspension after an accumulation of yellow playing cards. Nonetheless, McClaren is assured that the workforce can cope in Lowe’s absence and is predicted to depend on Michail Antonio to guide the assault after the striker missed final Thursday’s 2-2 draw towards Nicaragua on the factitious floor.
“Antonio had some stiffness, however the medical workforce has accomplished a fantastic job, and we should always have a full squad accessible for this match,” McClaren confirmed. “I count on him to be a significant a part of our recreation plan up entrance.”
Significance of specialist gamers
McClaren additionally highlighted the significance of specialist gamers like Demarai Grey and Tyreek Magee, whom he expects to be decisive within the final result of the match. Grey’s second of brilliance of their earlier encounter towards Honduras, the place his purpose secured a 2-1 win, serves as a reminder of the standard that Jamaica possesses.
“I’m trying on the recreation from final yr, and the standard Grey introduced along with his purpose made the distinction,” McClaren recalled. “We want that very same stage of efficiency tomorrow. Magee, too, is a specialist who can win us matches. These are the sorts of gamers who step up when it issues.”
Whereas Jamaica’s marketing campaign began with a disappointing 0-0 home draw against Cuba, McClaren believes that his workforce has grown all through the event and is set to finish the group stage on a excessive.
“We didn’t begin the best way we needed, however we’re able now to win the group. We’re taking part in at house, and we’ve to carry out to the requirements we’ve set,” he careworn. “It’s not nearly entertaining however getting the job accomplished and profitable.”
The match is about for an 8:00 p.m. kickoff, with simultaneous video games within the group that includes Trinidad and Tobago internet hosting Cuba, and Nicaragua dealing with French Guiana. The Reggae Boyz are properly conscious {that a} victory is not going to solely guarantee their place within the semi-finals however may also solidify their standing as one of many high groups within the area heading into the latter levels of the competitors.
