Reggae Boyz have done the reading
Hallgrimsson says Jamaica well-researched on Grenada challenge
Published:Thursday | October 12, 2023 | 12:11 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
REGGAE BOYZ coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said it will be a difficult task breaking down Grenada’s well-organised defence when the teams meet in their Concacaf Nations League Group B game at the Kirani James Stadium in Grenada at 6 p.m. today.
Nevertheless, he said getting three points is paramount and that they would be doing all they can to win the game.
“We take this game very seriously. We want to qualify from the group. We are going for the win, and we have full focus on the task of the opponent, and hopefully, we can show a good performance tomorrow,” he said.
“That is our mental approach to this game. We are only focused on this game, not another game or the next game.
“We are taking this seriously. We need the three points, and we will do everything to get the three points.”
According to Hallgrimsson, the Reggae Boyz have studied the opponents in depth and believes they will have their work cut out for them, especially in attack.
“We have looked at Grenada a lot, studied how they are playing, and we have prepared as best as we possibly can. They played Suriname in Suriname, and they were really well set up. The second half was impressive from them. That is what they are looking at and trying to build on and improve from that game.
“They are difficult to break down for sure. I can see the coach is working on their defensive shape and compactness.
“The pitch is narrow, so it is even more compact. So that will be our challenge to break them down because they are going to be defensively compact,” Hallgrimsson surmised.
The Reggae Boyz will be without striker Michail Antonio, who will only be available for the second game against Haiti in Trinidad, winger Renaldo Cephas had flight issues and did not make the trip, Javain Brown is out injured, and Adrian Mariappa pulled out due to personal reasons.
Leon Bailey, Demarai Gray, and Shamar Nicholson are expected to spearhead the attack.
In the troubled midfield area, 19-year-old Charlton Athletic, newcomer Taroy Anderson, could make his international debut.
Di’Shon Bernard or Micheal Hector will be expected to partner Damion Lowe in the heart of the defence.
Jamaica, four points, lead the points table on goal difference over Cuba. Honduras are next with three, then Haiti on two and Suriname and Grenada on one point each.