Findlay On Tonight’s Match Against St Vincent
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermuda coach Michael Findlay believes his side have an ideal opportunity to get their Concacaf Nations League campaign off the ground with a victory over Saint Vincent and the Grenadines tonight [September 12].
Although Findlay was encouraged by aspects of Bermuda’s goalless draw at home to French Guiana in his first game in charge on Friday, he insists his side need to become more clinical in front of goal.
Bermuda must finish top of League B Group C to regain their League A status in the Nations League. Findlay believes four points from their opening two matches will represent a solid start to their promotion bid.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines beat Belize 2-1 away in their opener on Friday and are placed five places below Bermuda in the Fifa world rankings in 178th.
“We were pleased with the application and endeavour of the players [against French Guiana] given the short time we have been together,” Findlay told Bernews.
“We still believe we could have won that game, so we’re a bit disappointed with that, but, at the same, we gave up opportunities and could have lost.
“Overall, we’re happy to come away with a point on the board. It’s important to focus on getting a result against St Vincent and the Grenadines, leaving with three points, and feeling good about ourselves after this first [fixture] window.”
Playing two games in five days represents a challenge for Bermuda, who travelled to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on Saturday, with Findlay expected to make a few changes to the team that faced French Guiana.
“We’re trying to blood some youth and introduce players who we feel over the long term will be very solid for Bermuda,” he said.
“Along the way, we have several veteran players who we need to assist that process. It’s a fine balance. We have tight games and challenging travel scenarios, so when we sit down and finalise what we think as a staff, we will see what we believe is best to get us through the 90 minutes.”
Findlay handed Dale Eve the captain’s armband against French Guiana and said the experienced goalkeeper will likely lead the team at the Arnos Vale Stadium tonight.
“I feel strongly that the modern game requires multiple leaders throughout the group,” he added. “It’s very difficult to ask one person to carry the entire team on their shoulders.
“Dale joined the leadership group because Zeiko Lewis had to leave [the squad] because of the impending birth of his first child. At this moment in time, I think Dale will continue in that position [as captain].”
