‘The Caribbean is dangerous’
McClaren wary of ever-improving Trinidad and Tobago
Published:Tuesday | September 9, 2025 | 12:10 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
REGGAE BOYZ coach Steve McClaren says they must respect Trinidad and Tobago, who they take on in the final-round Group B Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers this evening at the National Stadium at 7 p.m.
McClaren noted that although their Caribbean rivals have not won in their last four games, and Jamaica will be at home and favoured to win, they must not underestimate their ever-improving nemeses.
“The key thing against Bermuda was the emphasis on respecting the opponent,” McClaren told the pre-match press conference.
“Knowing there is no easy game in the Caribbean, and make sure we are approaching the game in the right manner, professionally.
“Everybody knows Trinidad is a tough opponent. We’ve played each other three times already, so we know each other well.
“It will be a hard game, a tough game. I watched their game against Curaçao and they should have won. They played very well. A dangerous opponent.
“They are improving. Like us, they have speed, athleticism. They are strong and fast, and they’ve got good individual players that can win football matches. And that is what it will be about. The big players, important players. They are the ones who must deliver, and whoever delivers will win the game.
“Everybody expects us to win. But it will be a difficult game, as always. But we were professional and got the job done (in Bermuda). Now it’s a home game and you’ve got to win your home games,” he said.
He also called on fans to give the players an electric atmosphere to boost them on.
“We hope that the supporters come out because we need that energy. That’s always key in the second games. So I am looking forward to a good atmosphere that the boys can play in. Against Guatemala in the World Cup Qualifiers, that evening the supporters were terrific and we need that again.
“They can’t just turn up. They’ve got to give us energy, and that is the key thing with this Jamaica team; when we’ve got energy and attitude we perform well,” he said.
However, he is looking for a similar professional display, like against Bermuda, when they step on the field this evening.
“I expect the team to know the job and do the job. Work hard. Work together. Cover each other. Be a team. Be hard to play against, but also express themselves like they did in the last game.
“It will be harder. It will be tougher. But we need the same kind of attitude, courage, organisation, and discipline
“The Caribbean is dangerous for every team, whether we play them three times or none at all. We know each other very well. But it’s on the night, that’s the most important thing.
“Players have to perform. Do the job. Be professional. Prepare right, and God’s willing, the breaks go our way and we score at the right time, and are lucky in some instances because that’s football. You can play well, but you still need to have that bit of luck on your side, and we hope to get that tomorrow (today).”