Adaptable McClaren ready for Cuba test

With his first game as head coach for the Reggae Boyz slated to get under way today at the National Stadium against Cuba in the Concacaf Nations League, Stephen McClaren said the Boyz will be able to adapt to any opponents under his guidance.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, McClaren described himself as an adaptable coach who is capable of adjusting his team selection, tactics and formation if necessary to get favourable results.

“I try to be a winning coach because winning keeps you in the job,” McClaren said. “I am quite a flexible and adaptable coach. I like the fundamentals and I like the basics. I like people knowing their jobs, doing their jobs, working hard and having a good attitude.”

The fixture will be the first time since 2015 that Jamaica will face off against their Caribbean neighbours.

McClaren stated he will be using the game against Cuba as a test of Jamaica’s international standing as he aims towards rising up the FIFA World rankings.

Jamaica are currently ranked first among Caribbean islands, sixth in Concacaf and 59th globally.

“It is a test. It is the first time I’ve worked with them this week,” he explained. “It is more a focus on the performance. It won’t be perfect over the 90 minutes, there will be good spells and bad spells but I’d want to see some of the things we’ve worked on which the players have taken on board.”

He added, “I think if you want to compete and stay number one in the Caribbean and get in the top three of the Concacaf rankings, then you have to develop your game so this match is the first step and a big step.”

McClaren will be without Aston Villa star Leon Bailey who was ruled out of international duty due to an injury he suffered while playing for his club in the Premier League.

The injury, however, opened the door for Jamal Lowe to make a return to the squad.

McClaren said the team has since adapted to the change as Lowe provides new avenues for the team’s attack with the player’s versatility in front of goal.

“It was disappointing with all the work that we did to get Leon back and then he goes and gets injured. I spoke with him this morning and he is in good spirits and he’s not too bad.

“I’ve known Jamal since he was a young player, a big talent and I think he has progressed. I’ve seen him on the wing and I’ve seen him as a number 9 so that flexibility is something that we’ll need for sure. This is an opportunity for Jamal Lowe to come back into the squad.”

The Reggae Boyz will want to get back on the winning trail after a poor run of three defeats in the Copa America tournament under previous coach Heimir Hallgrimsson. Jamaica were beaten 1-0 by Mexico, 3-1 by Ecuador and blanked 3-0 by Venezuela. In two earlier World Cup qualifying matches Jamaica outscored Dominica 3-2 and clipped Dominican Republic 1-0.

Cuba, ranked 167th by FIFA and 19th in Concacaf, have also had mixed results recently. They were awarded a 3-0 result in a World Cup qualifier against the Cayman Islands after being beaten 1-0 by Honduras in another qualifier. In their last Nations League match in October last year they were drubbed 4-0 by hosts Honduras.

Today’s match kicks off at 7 p.m.