Xavier Gilbert
Though the mindset is to always give of their best to go as deep as possible in a tournament, Jamaica's Head coach Xavier Gilbert reiterated that the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) is more focused on aiding the development of some of the country's young football prospects, as they prepare to transition to the senior level.
In fact, Gilbert pointed out that their opening 2-5 loss to host nation El Salvador was evident as to why their exposure to high level football is significant, as he believes the below par performance was a result of stage fright.
The Reggae Girlz outfit at the tournament comprises mostly Under-20 players with only a handful –Chris-Ann Chambers, Olufolasade Adamolekun, Mireya Grey and twins Mikayla and Malikae Dayes –boasting senior team experience.
This is due to the fact that Jamaica's more experienced players are currently preparing to grace the FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand later this month.
While Shanhaine Nelson (13th) and Natoya Atkinson (79th), got goals for Jamaica, the combination of Danya Guitierrez (5th), Victoria Sanchez (7th and 54th), Brenda Ceren (27th) and Jackeline Velasquez (50th), did the damage for El Salvador.
"It was a tough loss. We just didn't settle, and the opponents got two early goals on us and that kind of set us back. We managed to pull one back but the crowd and energy that El Salvadorans played with, we couldn't match that and we just we just didn't find our footing even though we were much better in the second half," Gilbert told SportsMax.tv.
"So, for I have to give the players credit for the second half display, we made the necessary adjustments, and they performed well then. But there were a lot of nerves in the first half and at this level, with the fanfare, the excitement and just the overall the atmosphere, playing in hostile territory was difficult for them.
"So, I boil it down to nerves but they're young they're still learning, and this is why these kinds of games, and this exposure is important for them and for their development moving forward. So that for me is the most positive thing than anything else, even than the result and they'll only get better from there," he added.
For Gilbert, this evening's contest against Puerto Rico will be an opportunity for the Girlz to bounce back, but more importantly, it will be another test of their mettle, both physically and mentally.
Game time is at 5:00pm
"This is what international football is all about bouncing back after a loss, bringing that fighting spirit and never-say-die mentality to the fore which is why we are more focused on mental preparation and recovery right now heading into our next game against Puerto Rico," Gilbert shared.
"We don't anticipate that it is going to be anything different. They didn't too bad against the Mexicans, they had their moments, and we know that the tournament was going to be tough. So, it's just to see how best we can recover and fix some of the errors from the first game and that's why we are focused on more mental preparedness than anything else," he noted.
Gilbert's side as well as the Puerto Ricans are both hunting their first points, as El Salvador and Mexico occupy the first two spots and are on course to progressing to the medal round.
If the Reggae Girlz are to stand a chance of medalling, they will have to better Puerto Rico and take a point off Mexico in their last game, provided that the Mexicans and the Puerto Ricans better El Salvador when they meet.
“We just have to bounce back against Puerto Rico, we have to go out there and get it right. We are still in the tournament, and we are still trying to see if we can get to the next round, so will do our best to keep the ladies motivated to give it their best,” Gilbert said.
Sherdon Cowan is a five-time award-winning journalist with 10 years' experience covering sports.
Leipzig have 'everything you would want' – Celtic boss Rodgers
Celtic may be four points clear of RB Leipzig in the Champions League, but Brendan Rodgers is not underestimating the challenge that his side face on Tuesday.
The Hoops welcome Leipzig to Celtic Park on matchday four, for what will be the fifth meeting between the sides.
Leipzig have won three of the previous four encounters, with Celtic winning 2-1 in a Europa League match in November 2018.
While Leipzig, who are second in the Bundesliga, have lost all of their Champions League matches this term, Celtic bounced back from their heavy defeat to Borussia Dortmund by holding Atalanta to a 0-0 draw in their last European outing.
Rodgers' team come into Tuesday's clash on the back of a resounding 6-0 defeat of Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership, but Rodgers knows his side are in for a stern test.
"Leipzig are no different to Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta," said Rodgers. "A top team. They have everything you would want - speed, power, technique.
"It's a brilliant challenge for us."
After conceding seven goals against Dortmund on MD2, Rodgers explained Celtic knew they had to step up.
"You always have to learn and be better and we were against Atalanta, a really outstanding team," said Rodgers, who were perhaps fortunate not to concede against the Serie A side, given they conceded 2.4 expected goals (xG).
"We'll look to bring our energy to the game but we also know we'll have to defend for good periods of the game, play with concentration and commitment like we did against Atalanta," he said.
"There will be moments when we press with aggression and moments where we have to be controlled. Top teams will push you back and you have to have resilience."
After a run of 12 home games without a win at Celtic Park in the Champions League between 2013 and 2023 (D3 L9), Celtic have won their last two home games. They last had three wins in a row back in November 2007 under manager Gordon Strachan.
"Home games are very important at this level and when you want the result the supporters can bring you closer to that," said Rodgers.
"What the noise generates here is absolutely incredible.
"We will also need that bit of patience as well because we have to be educated in our pressure.
"We've got ourselves into a really good position after three games and now we have another opportunity to show we can pick up a result against a top team."
Neymar does not believe latest injury is serious
Neymar does not feel his latest injury is anything to be overly worried about.
The Brazilian star had to be substituted off late on in Al-Hilal's 3-0 win over Esteghlal in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday.
Aleksandar Mitrovic's hat-trick propelled Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal to a comfortable win, though it was soured when Neymar clutched his right thigh and left the field just 29 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute.
It was only the 32-year-old's second appearance since he returned from a year-long lay-off due to a serious knee injury.
However, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona attacker allayed fears over a serious injury.
"It felt like a cramp, only very strong!" Neymar posted on Instagram. "I'm going to have some tests and I hope it's nothing too serious.
"It's normal for this to happen after a year, the doctors had already warned me, so I have to be careful and play more minutes."
Neymar has played only seven games for Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal since joining from PSG in a blockbuster transfer last year.
Fonseca targets statement Milan win over Real Madrid
Milan have no need to fear Real Madrid and their coach Paulo Fonseca is targeting a statement win in the Champions League.
Despite having won more Champions League/European Cup titles (seven) than any other club apart from Madrid (15), it has been 17 years since Milan last lifted the trophy in 2007.
On the other hand, holders Madrid have won the Champions League six times since 2013-14.
But Fonseca sees no reason to fear Los Blancos at the Santiago Bernabeu, where Carlo Ancelotti's side were recently hammered 4-0 by Barcelona.
"We're playing against a team that aspires to win the Champions League every year and for us it's a great opportunity to grow," Fonseca said.
"We'll play without fear of anything, with courage, because we believe we can play a great game and do great things.
"I always transmit to my team the desire to win and tomorrow will be no different. Real Madrid are a great team, but we will go out there thinking about winning. After that, anything can happen, but that's the mentality.
"To win a match like this, we have to defend well, have possession of the ball and create dangerous situations. A match against Real Madrid is a chance to show the world our quality and the way we are growing."
Madrid are 12th in the 36-team Champions League table with six points, while Milan are languishing in 25th spot – just outside the play-off places – with three points after three games.
Fonseca explained Milan had carefully studied Barcelona's 4-0 win over Madrid in last month's Clasico.
"I saw the derby, it's impossible not to watch it. They are teams I like to watch and I paid close attention to the game," Fonseca said.
"We are different from Barcelona but it was important to see Real Madrid's intentions against them because Barca have a similar way of defending with us. We made the whole team watch the game.
"It is the match between the two clubs that have won the Champions League the most. There are many games in the continent that are big, but this one is obviously something special, a match between two clubs that are attractive.
"We hope to put on a good show for people who enjoy good football."
Milan are winless in their last three Champions League games against Madrid (D2 L1) since they won 3-2 in October 2009 with goals from Andrea Pirlo and Alexandre Pato.
Madrid have won five of their seven home matches against Milan in the competition (D1 L1), beating them 2-0 in the most recent such match in October 2010.
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