Wired868 Wired868 for smart sport news and opinion
“[…] I apologise for taking the game and the gamble but we need to recognise where we are and how the rest of the world are operating.
“[…] My locally-based national team have been battering local regional teams back home because we have been working and developing a game plan that suits our players against teams who are not playing football at all. We fell short on delivery of the game plan we set out to achieve…”
T&T lost 7-0.
(Copyright AP Photo/Phelan M Ebenhack)
The following is a statement by Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team head coach Terry Fenwick, on his social media page, in the wake of the Soca Warriors’ 7-0 friendly international loss to the United States on 31 January 2021:
Extremely disappointing result and score line. I apologise for taking the game and the gamble but we need to recognise where we are and how the rest of the world are operating.
The USA development program over the last seven years is now bearing its fruits [with] quality players at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Dortmund and Chelsea amongst others, playing a style of football that suits the players; and in typical USA fashion everything is based on stats. USA Under-15, Under-17, and Under-20 teams [are] now furnishing the USA Senior Team.
My locally-based national team have been battering local regional teams back home because we have been working and developing a game plan that suits our players against teams who are not playing football at all.
Many of our US-based players we met on Friday prior to the game. They come from a better and more professional environment/background than we have in T&T. We fell short on delivery of the game plan we set out to achieve. The occasion, the magnitude of the game, the required mindset (bad mind), we fell short [in those areas].
(Copyright AP Photo/Phelan M Ebenhack)
Positives from the evening for me: my changes after 50 minutes, [and the] local lads who came on with Neveal Hackshaw. I saw a different mentality, young players showing commitment and taking responsibility.
Within their 40 minute experience, [Trinidad and Tobago had] one goal against, a penalty missed and several positive passages of play.
One step at a time…
Editor’s Note: Trinidad and Tobago’s 7-0 loss to the United States was the joint highest ever defeat by a Men’s National Senior Team in 113 years.
The 7-0 marker was set previously on 8 October 2000 when, having already qualified for the Concacaf Hex, then coach Ian Porterfield took a second string team to the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
“[…] We saw an array of talent across the board and not with just 20 players. I’ve said it before Read more
The Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team’s bid for an unprecedented place in the Copa America tournament stalled this Read more
Angus Eve, coach of the Trinidad and Tobago men’s football team, accepts that his squad will be the underdogs against Read more
Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team head coach Angus Eve hopes an organised defence will give his team the Read more
Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team head coach Angus Eve announced his 23-man squad to face Canada in next Read more
Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica played to a goalless draw at the Larry Gomes Stadium today, in the second and Read more
Nobody should give 100% to football in T & T. The people in charge do not value the effort of players or staff. They promise to pay and never give people their full share….it’s always part payment. When will that crap end! Everyone has bills to pay….some have families to take care of. Respect players, respect staff! Show it by paying people their full due then maybe things might improve.
Can TTFA add Angus Eve to work with Mr Fenwick. ? I have seen Mr Eve coaching at NAPS ground. He looks good and has ability to motivate players. Next match is a MUST WIN for TT. EVERYBODY from President down must rally ’round the T and T Team. We will do better.