McClaren lauds resilience as Jamaica secure top spot despite stiff nerves

Head coach Steve McClaren acknowledged Jamaica’s gritty effort after they secured top spot in their CONCACAF Nations League group, but admitted the team had room for improvement following their 0-0 draw with Honduras on Monday.

While the Reggae Boyz’ performance lacked flair, McClaren emphasized the importance of their resilience under pressure.

“The vision was to finish top. We had a bad start to the group, and I have to give credit to the team for how they recovered with away wins at Honduras and Nicaragua,” McClaren stated after the game. “Everybody knew there were three teams going for the two top spots, and you could see some nervousness. The key thing is we’re top of the league.”

McClaren’s side only needed a draw to advance to the quarter-finals, which seemed to impact their approach. “When you need a draw, the mentality can get in the way,” he admitted. “We said at half-time that we had to be resilient and ensure we got the result. We delivered, and the result was more important than the actual performance.”

Disappointing draw against Cuba

Jamaica’s campaign started shakily with a disappointing draw against Cuba, placing them under pressure in the final. Eventually, they responded with critical away wins against Honduras and Nicaragua.

“After the first game against Cuba, we were under pressure, but the Boyz delivered,” McClaren said. The draw secured their place not only at the top of the group but also in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Though they struggled to control the pace and tempo of the game, McClaren praised the team’s defensive organization. “We made too many mistakes, but the recovery and determination to keep a clean sheet were good. Credit to everybody for that. Eleven defend, 11 attack – they all did that,” McClaren noted.

In the other group games, Trinidad and Tobago defeated Cuba 3-1, while Nicaragua edged French Guiana. As McClaren reflected on the campaign, he admitted his team wasn’t at their best. “We can play better, but we topped the group, and now we look forward to the draw,” he said.

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Remains optimistic

Despite his critique, McClaren remains optimistic about the squad’s potential as they aim for consistency ahead of the knockout rounds. “I’m learning, and the more mistakes I make, the quicker I will learn. But we’ve got good players. We’re not fluid at the moment, but the players understand what we are trying to implement.”

Jamaica now joins top-ranked teams like the United States, Mexico, and Panama in the knockout stage, with McClaren eager to see who they’ll face next.

Teams: Jamaica – Andre Blake, Dexter Lebekisa, Mason Holgate, Nathon Pinnock, Ethan Pinnock, Demarai Gray (Jahshaun Anglin 83^rd), Kasey Palmer (Karoy Anderson 75^th), Michail Antonio (Romario Williams 83^rd), Joel Latibeaudiere, Tyreek Magee (Kaheim Dixon 60^th), Norman Campbell (Renaldo Cephas 46^th), Greg Leigh

Booked: Antonio (78^th)

Subs not used: Shaquan Davis, Jahmali Waite, Richard King, Kevon Lambert, Bobby Reid, Tayvon Gray, Jonathan Bell.

Honduras – Edrick Menjivar, Denil Maldonado, Luis Vega, Kerwin Arriaga, Rigoberto Rivas (Jose Pinto 85^th), Joseph Rosales, Antony Lozano (Jorge Benguche 64^th), Andy Najar, Edwin Rodriquez (Cristopher Melendez 64th), Deybi Flores, Jorge Alvarez (Bryan Acosta 79^th).

Booked: Arriaga (56^th), Melendez (88^th)

Subs not used: Marlon Licona, Harold Fonseca, Alexander Lopez, Devron Garcia, , Carlos Pineda, Bryan Rochez, Franklin Flores, Rubilio Castillo

Referee: Armando Villarreal (USA)

Assistant Referee 1: Cory Richardson (USA)

Assistant Referee 2: Jeremy Kieso (USA)

Fourth Official: Adonis Carrasco (Dominican Republic)