Speid calls for ‘proper football’ Reggae Boyz, Guatemala in Nations League showdown

Jamaica’s senior men’s national football team head coach, Rudolph Speid, says his side is “very motivated” to start a new chapter, as the Reggae Boyz zoom in on Friday’s Concacaf Nations League match against Guatemala at the National Stadium, beginning at 7 pm.

Speaking at Thursday morning’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 its football 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.

Standard

Speid, who said he wants the nation to play “proper football”, explained that the standard entails 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.

Reflecting on Jamaica’s recurring goalscoring 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 movement from the attackers, they’ll be able to score.”

Emphasis on youth

Speid also defended his emphasis on youth, praising young players called into training for this match, including 16-year-old Jahmari 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 Racing United player Tajay Grant has shown that he belongs at the senior level, and is impressed that local players are showing their worth.

“I am impressed with what I am seeing: his control, movement and non-stop running.”

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

Speid said the door remains open for others.

Guatemala

He called Guatemala a tough team that likes to play with the ball at their feet, adding that the Reggae Boyz 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 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 Friday’s game against Guatemala, the Reggae Boyz return to ‘The Office’ (National Stadium) on Monday to face Honduras, before travelling for two games against El Salvador next Friday, and Honduras on October 5.