Reggae Boyz Head Coach Steve McClaren remains optimistic despite a frustrating goalless draw against Cuba in the team’s opening match of the Concacaf Nations League A. McClaren, who took charge at the end of July, acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence in the team’s potential for progress.
In his debut game as head coach, the 63-year-old Englishman witnessed his squad struggle to break down a Cuban side that played with 10 men for much of the match. Despite dominating possession with over 70 percent and taking 21 shots on goal, Jamaica couldn’t find the back of the net at the National Stadium on Friday.
Though disappointed with the result, McClaren stressed that the process of building a successful team takes time. “I knew from the beginning, from three weeks ago when I took the job,” McClaren stated in the post-game press conference. “It’s a long process, and I’m bringing things to the team that I believe will help us grow to the next level. Defensively, we didn’t give them anything. Our counter-press from midfield was solid, and we created chances. That was positive.”
He noted that had they won 1-0, the performance would have been deemed a success, but acknowledged that it was unrealistic to expect instant results. “In football, sometimes things click right away, other times they don’t. My job is to stay calm, stay composed, and continue building belief in the team. The style of football we’re playing will take us to the next level; we just need to improve our finishing,” McClaren added.
Despite some boos from the home crowd at the final whistle, McClaren praised the Jamaican supporters for their passion and urged patience as the team continues its development.
The Reggae Boyz quickly shifted focus to their next match, traveling to Honduras on Saturday for a crucial clash on Tuesday at Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés. McClaren remains eager for the challenge, viewing the game as another important step toward his ultimate goal of leading Jamaica to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“The more time I spend with the team, the more I learn,” he said. “Honduras is a great test for us, and part of the journey. The World Cup in 2026 remains our target, but we also need to maintain our position as the top team in the Caribbean. We’ll move forward, learn from this, and be ready for Tuesday.”
Jamaica is currently fourth in their group, with Honduras and Nicaragua leading the standings with three points each. Only the top two teams will advance to the quarter-finals of the Nations League, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.
