Thoughts on being in Jamaica

“Let me start with saying I’m honoured and I’m grateful but most of all, I am excited for this opportunity. My first impression of Jamaica is a very positive one. I have received a nice reception from everyone I meet. I spent a holiday with my wife maybe 10 years ago here, and probably that was one of the best holidays I’ve had.”

Decision to coach Jamaica

“When I was looking for projects to coach the next time, I was really selective. It was not about the money it was about the project and for me, it was a perfect match to come now to Jamaica to try to fix what is broken. And always some obstacles we have to cross and we have to improve some big things but for me, it was a perfect match. I see so much potential here and if I compare this one to the Icelandic project, I think the potential is much more here than it was in Iceland.”

Upcoming assignments

“So I am really looking forward to start. Next year will be huge for the national team, starting with the Nation’s League match against Mexico and then next summer in the Gold Cup. Now, our number one task is to build a team for the World Cup into 2026.

“We have a year until we start the group stage for the World Cup so we have to start quickly to try to find and stabilise the Jamaican national team. The second job is assisting in improving football locally here in Jamaica — in coaching education and working with elite players — and we are happy to be a part of this and assist in that.

“But while doing this we all know that in every match there is pressure to win, and no coach will survive in his job without winning football matches so that is just a basic fact. So, yes, we want to have a good team to 2026 but we all know we have to win the matches we play — starting now against Argentina.”

Adapting to Jamaican culture

“I’m experienced enough to know that I have to adapt to the Jamaican culture. I have to learn about how you do things here before I start to tell people, you know, all the things what I want them to do. So, I have to adapt first and then we’ll find a compromise. Yes, I have my ideas, how to be successful internationally, but of course I have to adapt to the culture here.”

Looking beyond recent controversies

“I hope we can start with a clean slate so everybody has the same chance to prove themselves to play for the national team. It was about 100 players who have played for Jamaica for the last two years … This is not only an exciting project; I know all projects have its problems from the past and I hope all the things that have happened in the past stays in the past. I hope we don’t take problems from the past to the present.

“There’s a lot written about Andre Blake, the captain of the team. For me, it’s in best-case scenario, a little bit embarrassing, but I can tell you here we had a talk. The case is settled, he is in the squad — and hopefully me as a coach can start this cooperation with the captain and the team. I’m hopeful that we can have a good relationship.”

On Argentina friendly

“They are number four in the Fifa ranking so it’s not the easiest task for a new-coming coach to play them, what is it, in a week? They are possibly — and I say this with belief — possibly the next world champions. They have a great team and they now are in the final preparation and the players that are proving themselves to be in the squad in Qatar, so they will be really competitive. But I think now is a great opportunity because they will expose our weaknesses, especially defensive weaknesses, so it’s great for me to have this as a first game.”