YORKE...We expect discipline, dedication, and attitude, all of which I consider to be an image of me in many respects.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Head coach, Dwight Yorke, has challenged local-based Soca Warriors players to embrace professionalism, maintain high standards, and push themselves to earn a spot in the team for upcoming fixtures.
Yorke’s message came at the conclusion of a seven-day live-in camp held at the Home of Football in Couva, capped by a 1-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) outfit Defence Force at the Larry Gomes Stadium recently.
Despite the win, Yorke acknowledged the team's uneven performance during the match, dominated largely by Defence Force. However, the former Manchester United star emphasized the importance of players applying the lessons learned during the camp once they return to their clubs.
“We expect discipline, dedication, and attitude, all of which I consider to be an image of me in many respects. ‘You are the national team, and you are the best players in the country,’ and that comes with a certain amount of responsibility,” Yorke said in a video released by the TTFA media.
Yorke, flanked by his assistants Derek King, Russell Latapy, England’s Neil Wood, and strength and conditioning coach Anthony Crea, urged players to set themselves apart by embodying the qualities of national footballers both on and off the field.
Furthermore, he advised his players not to merely reintegrate into their club teams but to stand out by demonstrating leadership, discipline, and a professional attitude.
“When you leave here and go back to represent your clubs, make sure that they know that you’re a national player, and the only way you do that is by setting standards. How you train, how you carry about yourself, being on time, being an example for all, being that difference-maker,” Yorke shared.
“We have eyes on the ground; we would know where you are. I’ve always said if you’re good, we will find you, so don’t give us any excuse to not be in this team. When we give you days off, make sure you use it to your advantage. Don’t go gallivanting everywhere...playing football with your mates,” he added.
With the Soca Warriors potentially set for encounters against Qatar and Saudi Arabia next month, ahead of crucial fixtures in the Concacaf Gold Cup preliminaries in March.
Beyond that, Yorke’s main objective is to qualify the Soca Warriors for the 2026 Fifa World Cup. They will resume qualifying action in June against St. Kitts & Nevis.
As such, Yorke made it clear that success hinges on a collective effort.
“You are in the system. Make sure and stay in the system, but that is down to you guys. We will do everything from an administration side, from the supporting team of the staff to make sure we provide you with all the ammunition,” he declared.
“I’ll fight for you guys as the leader, as the head coach. I will go out there and make sure we get what it takes and all the stuff that you need to make sure that you are looked after. It is part of my responsibility, but you have to give us something in return... it can’t be a one-sided deal,” Yorke noted.
Liverpool dealt Konate injury blow ahead of Man City encounter
Ibrahima Konate confirmed he is set for a spell on the sidelines ahead of Liverpool's blockbuster clash against Manchester City on Sunday.
Konate was one of the standout performers for the Reds during their Champions League victory over Real Madrid in midweek but appeared to pick up an injury late in the game.
The Frenchman tangled with Madrid's young Brazilian winger Endrick, which left him lying prone on the turf, though he was able to complete the 90 minutes.
However, Konate is expected to miss this weekend's tantalising tie against Pep Guardiola's out-of-form City side, with reports suggesting he could miss up to 11 games.
"So frustrating to pick up this injury right at the end of a great game on Wednesday night," Konate posted to Instagram.
"Now we start the recovery process, but one thing I promise is I will come back and be the best I can be once again.
"Thank you for the amazing support at Anfield. Inshallah, we will keep going, and I will support the team every step of the way."
Konate's absence is a huge blow for Arne Slot's side, with the Frenchman having formed an imperious partnership alongside Virgil van Dijk this season.
The Reds have conceded just 12 goals from their 19 games in all competitions so far this term, with Konate playing a huge role in their new-found defensive resilience.
Only Van Dijk (40) has won more aerial duels in the Premier League for Liverpool this season than Konate (28), while the Frenchman has made more blocks (five) than any of his team-mates.
Van Nistelrooy announced as new Leicester head coach
Leicester City confirmed that Ruud van Nistelrooy has become their new head coach following the sacking of Steve Cooper.
Cooper was dismissed following the Foxes' 2-1 defeat to Chelsea last Saturday, their fifth game in all competitions without a victory.
Van Nistelrooy most recently took interim charge of Manchester United after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag following a poor start to the season earlier this month.
The Dutchman won three of his four games at the helm, with two of those victories coming against Leicester in the Premier League and the EFL Cup.
Speaking to LCFC.com, Van Nistelrooy said: “I’m proud, I’m excited. Everybody that I speak to about Leicester City football club is enthusiastic.
"They have great stories about the quality of the people working at the club, the supporters and, of course, the recent history of the club is impressive.
"I’m excited to start and to get to know everyone and give everything I can for the Football Club.”
This is Van Nistelrooy's first full-time role since May 2023, when he spent one full season in charge of PSV Eindhoven.
During his time with the Eredivisie side, he won 33 of his 51 games in charge (D10 L8), averaging a win percentage of 64.71%, while also scooping the KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield.
Leicester travel to Brentford this Saturday, with first-team coach Ben Dawson overseeing matchday duties ahead of Van Nistelrooy's arrival.
The Dutchman's first game in charge will be next Tuesday, when the Foxes host fellow bottom-half side West Ham at the King Power Stadium in the Premier League.
CPL supports youth-focused Charities in Trinidad and Tobago with US$20,000 donation
The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has pledged a US$20,000 donation to benefit two Trinidad and Tobago charities, Rainbow Rescue and the Caribbean Kids and Families Therapy Organisation (CKFTO).
Those funds will be split equally between the two organizations, both of which focus on improving the lives of young people in the country.
According to a CPL statement released on Friday, the charities were selected after discussions with Trinidad and Tobago President Christine Kangaloo, who highlighted the significant impact both organizations have on the lives of vulnerable youth.
Rainbow Rescue, founded in 1999 by Judy Wilson, serves as a refuge for socially displaced boys aged 10 to 18. The organization was created in response to the growing number of boys living on the streets, driven there by poverty, family breakdown, and abuse.
As such, CPL’s donation will aid Rainbow Rescue in its mission to provide a safe and supportive environment for these at-risk youth.
CKFTO, on the other hand, offers therapeutic services for children with special needs, aiming to empower families and foster an inclusive society. By providing professional and compassionate support, CKFTO works to ensure that children with disabilities and their families have access to the resources they need to thrive.
CPL’s CEO, Pete Russell, expressed the league’s pride in supporting the efforts of both Rainbow Rescue and CKFTO, as this donation underscores their broader commitment to fostering positive change in communities across the Caribbean.
“At the CPL, we are committed to looking for opportunities to support young people across the region through the magic of sport, and we are pleased that we can both contribute and shine a light on the amazing work these charities do for young people,” said Russell.
“We very much hope that this is the start of a long-term relationship with both organizations and are pleased that by donating to both charities, we are also supporting the President’s agenda of helping young people in need across TT,” he added.
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