‘We know what we need to do’

REGGAE BOYZ head coach Steve McClaren and team captain Andre Blake say the team knows what needs to be done to return to winning ways when they take on Bermuda today in Concacaf World Cup Qualifying action at the National Stadium.

Jamaica are coming off a shock 2-0 defeat to Curacao in their last outing, which saw them ceding the top spot in Group B.

Blake explained the team had struggled to adapt to the artificial surface at the Ergilio Hato Stadium, but felt they were nonetheless wasteful.

“Last week, I think it was a tricky game going there and playing on turf, but there is no excuse from the players’ side,” he said.

“As professionals, we have to be able to adapt and adjust wherever we go. I always say, it’s both teams playing on the same pitch.

“We had our chances and we didn’t take our chances, and they did; that’s just football. We have to learn from it and we have to keep getting better.”

With a return to the National Stadium against Bermuda, Blake said the players are aware of what is at stake and what they need to do to return to winning ways.

Jamaica sit second in Group B with six points, trailing leaders Curacao with seven.

Trinidad and Tobago are third with four points, while Bermuda, still without a win, sit rooted at the foot of the table without a point.

Blake warned that despite Bermuda’s poor form, having lost all three of their games, it will not be a formality for the Boyz.

“We know exactly what we have to do. No game is easy, and you don’t win games on paper any more. You have go out there and you have to apply yourself. Whenever you show up and you’re not ready to play, it’s going to be a difficult game.

“The mindset is right, the mindset is clear, and we know exactly what we have to do, so we’re going to go out there and execute.”

Blake’s comments were echoed by McClaren, who said the team will need to bounce back if they are to keep their World Cup ambitions alive.

In their earlier meeting, Jamaica defeated Bermuda 4-0, and McClaren will be looking for a similar performance this time around.

“We know a little bit more about Bermuda after playing them. That’s a tricky game, it’s always going to be difficult, but we need to win,” he said.

“You never want to lose, but we have an opportunity, like Andre said, to bounce back. The ability to bounce back is a requisite of all top teams.”

Jamaica’s midfield will be boosted by the return of Isaac Hayden and Kasey Palmer.

Both players missed the Curacao game due to suspension.

McClaren said their return is a major asset for the team, as they bring a new dimension to the midfield and are important to the team’s engine.

“We need freshness for this game. We need energy and attitude, and we were lucky and unlucky that we were missing those two. We’re lucky we got them back and we’re looking to change a few more,” he said.

“I don’t think you can play the same team and you need to bring in energy. We have two very fresh ones in Isaac and Kasey coming in, who are very integral to how our midfield plays.”

The match is set to kick off at 7 p.m.

Also in Group B action, leaders Curacao will play hosts to Trinidad at the Ergilio Hato Stadium, with match time set for 6 p.m.

In their earlier meeting, the two teams had played out a scoreless draw.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com