Reggae Boyz must prepare for war – Brown
Published:Wednesday | July 19, 2023 | 12:11 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL is war and unless Jamaica recognise this and start approaching competitive games accordingly, they will not reap much success on the global stage, said former national coach Carl Brown.
Jamaica will be battling for three direct spots and two playoff places in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and although Brown thinks coach Heimir Hallgrimsson is on the right track with the group, he said there are areas that must be improved if they want to secure a place in the next World Cup.
“I was disappointed with the last game (Mexico). It is sad we played our worst game in the semifinals. We have a lot of players playing at the highest level but international football is totally different from club football, so we need to expose our players to more international football,” he said in assessing the Reggae Boyz Gold Cup performance.
According to Brown, other teams are much fiercer mentally when it comes to international competiton and this shortcoming must be addressed if the team is to maximise its potential he said.
“Years ago a manager said in a statement that ‘international football is war’ and until we recognise that, we are not going to do well.
“This is what these players need to understand. That they are in a war and we saw that with the Mexicans. It is not the strongest Mexican team we have seen in the Gold Cup but they came out ready. They were far more prepared mentally than the Jamaican team and they won simply because of that,” he said.
He believes the Gold Cup was a good exercise for new coach, Hallgrimsson, who was having his best players for an extended period for the first time.
Although the Reggae Boyz fell at the semifinals of the tournament, Brown said the coach should be pleased with the progress they have made. However, he believes they still have work to do in all areas.
“We have to look for a striker that is going to get some goals. I don’t think (Michail) Antonio is being played in the right way. He is not the best technically and his role of holding up the ball is not happening.
“You need the midfield and supporting players to get around him where they can be effective.
“The defence line is not very convincing. They are good individual players but we are not playing as a good unit,” he said.
“Also, our midfield is lacking one creative player. A player who is willing to take possession of the ball. We have the same type of midfielders, hustlers with long passes up front but not effective in taking control. So we have to look at that.”
Nevertheless, he said with a few additions and some more work on the areas mentioned, they will have a great chance of making the 2026 tournament.
“I believe they are on the right path. I like what I am seeing. I like the group of players. A few won’t be around for the World Cup qualifiers but I have to be happy with what I saw from them.
“With a few introductions I am optimistic the team will get through to the World Cup. The opportunity is great. The three top teams (Mexico, Canada and USA) in the region are already through (as hosts).
“Panama and Costa Rica are the teams we expect to be fighting for the places. So we have a very good chance.”