1 year ago
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AFTER WHAT he described as a “delightful” experience, Reggae Boyz coach Steve McClaren is hoping to have more camps with local players, who played to a 1-1 draw with Trinidad and Tobago in the last game of a two-match friendly series on Sunday at the Anthony Spaulding Complex.
McClaren said he “enjoyed” his time with the players who showed, attitude, character, and spirit and that at least four players could make the step-up to the regular squad.
“The players are a pleasure to work with. Attitude, spirit. They showed that in training. They showed that in the game. And I look forward to seeing them again. And not just playing for their clubs. If we can organise more games and get togethers like this. I think it will benefit the national team, the JPL and the players going forward,” McClaren said post match.
The former Manchester United assistant coach said he has identified players who could make the transition into the regular squad, but said holding monthly camps would better help the local players integrate into his system.
“Most definitely,” he said in response to whether there were players with the potential to become regulars.
“But as I said, we should do this more. If we can have the players two days, once a month going forward, I think it would benefit everybody involved more, in terms of football, the national team, the league, and individually.
“More games. More get-togethers. We tried to give them a lot of information, a lot of detail. That is what international football is about. We just try to give the players some experience. We had them for a week. I am delighted with the way they behaved, they trained.
“In all the camps I’ve had, I had unbelievable energy from the players and this was not different, and that kept us going all the way. We never gave up. It showed in the consistency and commitment of the team, that they scored in the last 10 minutes and went on to salvage a point.
“I like the second half. The intensity. That’s the demonstration of what Jamaica team should be like going forward. That’s what I want. That’s what I want to see.
“I was pleased with the performances, especially the second halves. The tempo was better. That is the tempo we want to play at. When we play with that intensity and tempo, we dominate games and create chances and that’s what we did,” he said.
English (US) ·