Speid calls for ‘proper football’

Jamaica head coach Rudolph Speid says his side is “very motivated” to start a new chapter as the Reggae Boyz prepare for today’s Concacaf Nations League match against Guatemala at the National Stadium. Kick off time is 7 p.m.

Speaking at yesterday’s pre-match press conference, Speid said missing the World Cup has not shaken belief in a new-look squad.

Instead, he wants to kick-start that new chapter that sees the nation building and improving with future tournaments in mind.

“It’s a new-look squad. But I think we have the right players here to go forward,” he said.

Speid, who has said he wants the nation to play “proper football”, explained that the standard will be doing the right things at the right moments.

“We want to do everything correctly, as the needs arise. What we have tried to do is talk about adaptability. So whatever needs to be done, we’ll be doing it,” he said. “We’re gonna try and play properly and do what we have to do at the right moment.”

The Reggae Boyz have not been knocking in the goals recently, and that problem is definitely on the agenda for Speid.

On Jamaica’s recurring goal-scoring concerns, Speid pointed to movement as the key issue.

“Usually when you’re not scoring goals, it’s really a movement problem. So we have been working on that,” he said. “I hope that with better movements from the attackers, you’ll be able to score those.”

Praising young players

Speid also defended his emphasis on youth, praising young players called into training, including 16-year-old Jamari Nolan and young Waterhouse prodigy Jamone Lyle.

He described them as “really proper players” who “don’t look like young players” and possess confidence that cannot be taught.

“I like when young players show that type of confidence, and it goes a long way. These are players that we are looking to help us in the future.”

He also said the Racing United player Tajay Grant has shown he also belonged at the level, and is impressed that local players are showing their worth.

“I am impressed with what I am seeing, his control, movement and nonstop running.”

Jamaica have assembled 25 players, although only 23 can be named.

Speid said the door remains open for others if needed.

On Guatemala, he called them a tough team that likes to play with the ball at their feet, adding that Jamaica are aware of their strengths.

“We are aware of the danger that this Guatemala team poses, and we have been preparing for just that.”

Jamaica lead the all-time head-to-head series against Guatemala with four wins, two losses and one draw in their previous seven official senior men’s international meetings.

Asked whether the fixtures could determine his long-term tenure, Speid was unmoved.

“I don’t think about that. What is important is these four games,” he said.

Following today’s game against Guatemala, the Reggae Boyz return to the office on Monday to face Honduras before travelling for two games against El Salvador next Friday and Honduras on October 5.