“Nicaragua can cause us problems” | sport

REGGAE BOYZ coach Steve McClaren said there will be no excuses even though the Concacaf Nations League, League A and Group B match against Nicaragua at 9pm tonight at the Nicaragua National Football Stadium will be played on an artificial surface.

Although Jamaican players have varying levels of experience on artificial turf, McClaren said they will not use this as an excuse as they are focused on winning the game no matter the circumstances.

“No impact at all,” McClaren said in response to questions about the surface.

“We come here to win the game. Always try to win the game.

“We certainly respect them. We respect Nicaragua. I watched a few games. A very good team. Very pleasant to own. Always close, the games.

“They are progressing well in the Nations League, so we respect them. If we have to play them on (artificial) turf, we play them on grass. We have no excuse. Football is football. Maybe they're a little more used to it. Hopefully our quality will show in the end.”

He continued that their poor start with a draw against Cuba was followed by a good away win against Honduras and they intend to continue the winning path.

“It will be a very good home game against a strong team. We have to produce our quality. The talent within the team is so good. The potential is so great and we must recognize it.

“We know we are a very good team and to be a very good team you have to be consistent and that is what we hope to achieve.” There will be many tests on the journey. “Tomorrow (today) will be a big test for the team,” he said.

After watching four or five games with the opponents, McClaren said he was extremely impressed by the Nicaraguans, who may not have truly outstanding individual players but have good technical skills and strong team determination.

“I was very impressed. They feel very comfortable in possession of the ball. Not a standout player, but they are a team and they play as a team. They work hard for each other. They are very technical. That way they can keep the ball,” he said.

With both teams tied at the top of the table on four points, a win for either team would give them sole lead in the group and the Englishman said anything less than 100 per cent from his side could be detrimental.

“We have to be consistent. We have to be 100 percent because if we stay below standard, Nicaragua can cause us problems and we know that.

So we just have to make sure we are focused and execute the game plan. We are here to win the game and we are here not to make excuses no matter how we play,” he explained.

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