Mariappa important to changing Reggae Boyz
Published:Wednesday | September 13, 2023 | 12:12 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
REGGAE BOYZ coach Heimir Hallgrimsson says veteran defender Adrian Mariappa remains an important part of his squad, despite many pundits arguing the Salford City player should make way for a young promising defender.
Hallgrimmson, who took up the post almost exactly one year ago and is still understanding the intricacies of Jamaican football, said having the former Crystal Palace and Watford defender at his disposal to lean on for his knowledge and experience is invaluable.
“First of all, I pick the team for football reasons. I have watched him play. He is playing well and he does well in training, so he deserves to be here for football reasons and that is first and foremost the reasons.
“Secondly, we are building something. We are building a team, not only for now but for the future, and to have the experience and the personality he brings is massive for me as a coach.
“The coaching staff is fortunate to have a guy like this, that is giving from his experience from the past.
“Also, in talking to the players, his experience is a good thing to have, having been there before and having done it before. So he is someone we can always use ... his endless well of experience.”
Hallgrimsson said the support he gives the team morally and through his experience has continued to benefit individuals and the group, and that he will continue to be in his plans for now.
“For us, building the team and having a guy like this is really important for the younger guys coming in to have next to them, whether he is playing or not playing.
“His only negative side is that he is too polite,” he joked. “I will put him on the bench and he still supports me and the players. Many players today are so selfish and individualistic that they will always give you an attitude when not chosen. But he is polite and a good person,” he commented.
Meanwhile, Mariappa, who made his debut in 2012, said he still has a lot to offer on and off the field, and will continue to share his experience and help motivate the players and help them do their best.
“From I first came in, I have always conducted myself in the same way. I have always pushed whoever is playing when I am not playing. When called upon, I give everything as well.
“I have always tried to help my teammates. That is what I have always been about, helping the young players.
“But, at the end of the day, I am still playing competitive football at a good level and I am still playing well. So, the focus is fully on my football and helping my team to get results we all want.”