‘I won’t complain anymore’
Head coach Speid ready for battle as Cavalier face hosts MBU in rescheduled JPL match
Published:Wednesday | December 18, 2024 | 12:11 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Cavalier will make another attempt to move up the table, when they face Montego Bay United in a rescheduled game at the Montego Bay Sports Complex today at 7:30 p.m.
The defending champions sit fifth in league table on 22 points, two less than Montego Bay in fourth position. They missed out on a great chance to climb up the standings on Sunday, when they suffered a stunning 3-1 setback against lowly Chapelton Maroons.
Although head coach Rudolph Speid has been complaining of a stacked schedule, along with injuries and fatigue, he insists that the Concacaf Caribbean Cup champions will have a plan and will not make it easy for their opponents.
“Things are even worse (now) but I won’t complain anymore. To reach Montego Bay is no joke. The traffic is rough. So we will have to get out early and make the best of the situation. But I won’t complain again. We will do what we have to do,” he said.
“We always have a plan. We will have to play a little more focused and play by the minute. But when the going gets tough, the tough gets going.
“Our backs are against the wall. We will not make it easy. It will be hard but we will see how best to deal with it and do what we have to do.”
He pointed out that a string of injuries have prevented them from making many changes to their playing eleven and he believes Montego Bay will use this situation to their advantage.
“I don’t think we can do that (play a less intense game) against a quality team like Montego Bay. They are aware of it (challenges) and they will force us to play fast.
“So they will keep the tempo up because they know it will suit them. So I expect them to do that. But we know where we are going and where we are, and we will have a plan,” Speid said. Today’s game is Cavalier’s third in seven days.
Meanwhile, Montego Bay’s head coach, Rodolfo Zapata, said despite the challenges Cavalier are currently undergoing, they are a team they respect and will not take lightly.
Nevertheless, he said they will try to impose themselves on the game and try to get the win.
“We will try to take the initiative and dominate the game with ball control and quick transitions. Cavalier are a very good team. When they have possession of the ball we will try to recover as soon as possible and be aggressive and to play offensive football in their half,” he said.
“Coach Speid is a great coach. I understand his position, but I don’t think it (fatigue) is going to be an impediment to playing a good football game. Cavalier have great young talents, and they recover quicker than older players,” Zapata said.