Reggae Boyz Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson and Captain Andre Blake during a Wednesday press conference ahead of the team's Concacaf Nations League clash with the USA in Dallas on Thursday.
Reggae Boyz Captain Andre Blake says vibes in the team are good ahead of their monumental clash with the USA in the semi-finals of the Concacaf Nations League.
The Caribbean outfit are set to tussle with the defending Concacaf Nations League champions at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Thursday to try and make history.
“The vibe in the camp is really good. Obviously, we know it’s going to be a tough game but we look forward to it and we’re going to go out there and give our best,” Blake said in a pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
The Reggae Boyz got here thanks to a brilliant come-from-behind 3-2 win over Canada in the second leg of their quarterfinal on November 21 after losing the first leg 1-2 at the National Stadium three days earlier.
“It’s definitely a great achievement for the team and a boost of confidence. You need moments like those when you’re forming a team, moments that let the guys know what’s possible,” Blake said about that win.
“Going up to Toronto, it was never easy. It was cold and I’m pretty sure a lot of people thought it was done and dusted. The guys did an incredible job, stepped up to the task and put on a show. It definitely pushed us in the right direction as we continue to build. We know we have a great group of guys but it takes time to form a good team. As I said, moments like those can really help with the process going forward,” he added.
Head coach, Heimir Hallgrimsson, was also at the press conference and addressed the withdrawal of star West Ham striker Michail Antonio from the squad for Thursday’s game.
“Sometimes when it rains it pours in our case. He injured his shoulder during the game against Aston Villa. We were hoping it would be okay but it looks like it won’t. We’re just waiting for the confirmation to see if he’s available for the second game,” he said.
Hartford Athletic striker Romario Williams has been called in to the squad as a replacement.
Hallgrimsson was also asked about how difficult it will be while missing so many key players.
“I’m like all coaches. I like to have my best players on the pitch when that is possible. Of course, it changes how you look at the game but we don’t want to talk much about the players that can’t play for us,” he said.
“We like to focus on those who are here and give them all the support they need. It gives others an opportunity that they have been waiting for to step up to the big stage and hopefully they will take it,” he added.
On a more positive note, Hallgrimsson praised the facilities at Dallas Baptist University, where the Reggae Boys have had their last two training sessions, as the best he’s experienced since taking over the Reggae Boyz in 2022.
“Ever since I got to Jamaica, these are the best facilities and the best pitch we have had to prepare so I’m really pleased with the people at the University helping us,” he said.
“We have tried to do all we can to prepare the team for such an important and difficult match against the USA,” he added.
Blake also added his two cents on the matter.
“It’s always good to get more time but we did make use of the two days. As coach said, it’s a really good pitch to get a proper training session in,” he said.
You can watch the Concacaf Nations League semi-finals live on SportsMax on Thursday.
Nashville SC v San Jose Earthquakes: ‘A win would change everything’ - Godoy
Anibal Godoy insists that Nashville are already looking at their game against San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday as a must-win.
Nashville have won just once in the MLS this season and sit in 14th place in the Eastern Conference after a run of four without a win.
The Earthquakes, meanwhile, are bottom of the Western Conference having lost eight of their matches and recording just one win.
Godoy is aware of how their poor start to the season could affect their playoff hopes later down the line but is confident that Nashville can turn things around.
He said: “For us, it's an important week. It's a day we have to win, or we'll start to feel the pressure from other teams as they start to separate in the table.
“This league is long but if we want to get to the playoff you have to win games early on, especially at home.”
Liverpool agree compensation deal for Slot
Liverpool and Feyenoord have reached an agreement in principle over a compensation deal for Arne Slot to become the Reds’ manager next season, according to widespread Dutch media reports.
The Dutchman is reportedly poised to take over from Jurgen Klopp, who announced in January that he would be leaving the club at the end of the campaign.
Slot led Feyenoord to their second Eredivisie title last season after taking over the club in 2021.
It is believed that he topped the list of Liverpool’s favoured candidates due to his attacking playing style and ability to develop players.
Former Liverpool midfielder, Xabi Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title, and Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim were also reported contenders to take over from Klopp.
Slot had already confirmed his interest in managing in the Premier League, both earlier this week and previously when he was linked to Tottenham in 2023.
QPR 4-0 Leeds United: Shock loss for Farke's men seals Leicester's promotion
QPR thrashed Leeds United 4-0 in the Championship on Friday, ensuring Leicester City booked their promotion straight back to the Premier League.
Ilias Chair was the star for the Hoops as he scored the opener and assisted two more goals to ensure QPR will stay in the Championship for another season.
Lucas Andersen, Lyndon Dykes and Sam Field also got their names on the scoresheet in an emphatic win for Marti Cifuentes' side.
Leeds' heaviest defeat of the season was a huge blow in the race for an automatic promotion spot, with Ipswich Town just one point behind them in third place with two games in hand going into their away clash against Hull City on Saturday.
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