Boyz coach McClaren calls for resilience, precision against United States in crucial Nations League quarterfinal
Head coach Steve McClaren in discussion with Mason Holgate.
Jamaica’s Head coach Steve McClaren has once again emphasized the importance of mental toughness and consistency as his Reggae Boyz brace for their highly anticipated home-and-away Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal showdown against the United States.
Knowing that this encounter represents a major test in their journey through the tournament, McClaren is urging his players to seize the opportunity and embrace the challenge against a formidable opponent in first leg action at the National Stadium on Thursday.
Start time is at 8:00pm.
McClaren, who steered the Reggae Boyz through an encouraging group stage, where they won two and draw two to finish atop Group B, remains laser-focused on the team’s principles of resilience, ball control, and tactical discipline.
“This is the game we’ve been working toward. Our main goal was to get out of the group and reach a stage to play against a big team that would challenge us and there's no bigger team than the USA. This is a step up and a test for how far we've come and where we need to get to,” McClaren said in a pre-match press conference.
The stakes are heightened by the absence of influential striker Michail Antonio, who faces a one-match suspension, alongside the injured Ethan Pinnock and Bobby Reid, the latter having just welcomed a new addition to his family.
Still, McClaren remains unfazed and will lean heavily on his squad depth, entrusting both veterans and newcomers to adapt and deliver with resolve, as they look to take a decisive step forward.
“One of our principles is to be hard to beat,” McClaren said, as he stressed the need for both defensive solidity and confidence on the ball.
“We have to deal with the ball better, show bravery, and avoid giving away possession too easily. The last time we faced the USA, many of their chances came from transitions when we gave the ball away. That’s something we must control and be careful of. But the players have shown that they've got that mentality to win games and different ways to win games and we'll need all those ingredients against a very, very good and very strong USA team,” he added.
To improve the Boyz possession game, McClaren is set to rely on Newcastle United’s Isaac Hayden, who is set to make his debut in central midfield. The tactician hopes that Hayden will bring the critical link in stabilizing their build-up play and foster creativity in advancing the ball fluidly and also to retain control under pressure.
“This is probably one of the reasons why we're not creating enough chances. So that will be one of the responsibilities when Isaac plays, is to create that link from the back to the front and also to get out of tight areas. We know that he's smart and dealing with the ball is one of our major goals with this team.
“So by the time next year comes around to World Cup qualification, we want everybody in the team who are able to deal with the ball…that's from the goalkeeper all the way through to the bench. We're starting to build that, but we still got a long way to go,” the Englishman shared.
Though United States lead the head-to-head 20 wins to Jamaica’s three in what has been a longstanding rivalry between the two nations, McClaren believes the Boyz have made significant strides in driving fear into their opponents.
They went close to a win in the last Nations League edition where they led United States from the first minute but conceded in stoppage time and eventually lost 1-3 in that semi-final clash.
For McClaren, the ultimate goal extends beyond Thursday’s game, as he envisions this match as a valuable step in building a consistent and competitive team for World Cup qualification.
"The key thing is consistency. We need to be consistent in what we do...with that consistency will come performance, and that’s how we progress and get better," he explained.
"We’re getting closer, and it’s only a matter of time. As long as we keep belief and confidence and don’t look at the opponent with fear, but as a challenge and tomorrow, we want to embrace that challenge. I'm so encouraged by what I've seen that I'm excited about the future,” McClaren declared.
That said, McClaren is optimistic that the team's unique athleticism and mental resolve will shine through.
“We have good speed and athleticism. It’s no secret; they know it, we know it. We’ll need to use that to our advantage while staying well-organized and resilient in transition,” he ended.
Meanwhile, Isaac Hayden declared his commitment to giving of his best in the team’s bid to not only make another Nations League semi-final, but also secure qualification to the next Concacaf Gold Cup.
“Anyone that knows me or seen me play knows that I'm a highly committed player and someone that gives 110% every moment of every game, every training session. I always want to win. Obviously we've got two massive games coming up and I think it's just for me to bed in, contribute as much as I can, however many minutes that is, and give 110% and see where that takes us,” Hayden declared.
Sherdon Cowan
Sherdon Cowan is a five-time award-winning journalist with 10 years' experience covering sports.
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