As Steve McClaren prepares for his debut as Reggae Boyz head coach in Friday’s CONCACAF Nations League match against Cuba, his priority is clear: build on the strong foundation laid by his predecessor while making key tactical tweaks to enhance Jamaica’s game as they aim for long-term success.
The match kicks off at 7:00 p.m. inside the National Stadium.
At a press conference on the eve of the match, McClaren highlighted the importance of maintaining the style of play that has served the team well over the past two years, while adding his personal touch. “We’ve tried to introduce one or two things but I think we need to keep things simple,” McClaren explained. “The style of play has had success, so I want to keep that. I want to keep the foundation and the basics they’ve developed.”
McClaren’s approach is to ensure continuity while subtly adapting the team’s tactics to make them more versatile against a variety of opponents. “I try to be a winning coach because winning keeps you in the job,” he said. “I’m quite flexible and adaptable. I like the fundamentals—people knowing their jobs, doing their jobs, working hard, and having a good attitude.”
Jamaica’s last encounter with Cuba was in 2015, when they secured a comfortable 3-0 victory. Despite Cuba’s lower FIFA ranking—167th globally and 19th in CONCACAF—McClaren views Friday’s fixture as a critical test of Jamaica’s international standing and a step toward the ultimate goal: qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
First step in a long-term plan
“This match is the first step in a long-term plan,” McClaren said. “We want to stay number one in the Caribbean, rise in the CONCACAF rankings, and ultimately qualify for the World Cup.”
Although the Reggae Boyz will be without star winger Leon Bailey due to injury, McClaren is confident in the squad’s ability to adapt. The coach welcomed the return of Jamal Lowe, whose versatility in attack will add a new dimension to the team. “It was disappointing to lose Leon, but I’ve known Jamal since he was a young player. His flexibility is something we’ll need for sure,” McClaren noted.
Jamaica enters the match following a disappointing run at the Copa America, where they suffered three defeats. McClaren acknowledged the importance of reversing this trend but remains optimistic about the team’s recent training sessions. “I like the spirit, the energy, and the way the players have worked in training. The intensity and desire to work hard have been great,” he said.
