Gordon Williams | Jamaica Gleaner
It’s under a year since Winfried Schäfer took over as coach of the senior Reggae Boyz. At times, imperfect English disconnects him from players. Yet the 64-year-old German already knows who will represent Jamaica – or won’t – under his watch. Commitment to the country’s cause, not just football ability, counts heavily in decisions.
“We need players with heart for Jamaica,” Schäfer said prior to the Boyz’ friendly international against Serbia yesterday.
He is already seen it in several veterans he is banking on for Jamaica’s run to the 2018 World Cup, with stops at the Caribbean Cup and possibly the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Copa America. Rodolph Austin and Wes Morgan are among those he will lean on for not just quality play, but attitude.
“Wes Morgan was born in England,” the coach said of the defender who, last season, led Leicester City to English Premier League promotion. “But he said ‘I want to play (for Jamaica)’.”
Schäfer commended Austin’s desire. The midfielder’s pride on the pitch made him an instant option for captain. The two stay in constant “communication”, the coach said.
When Austin’s 2013-14 English Championship season ended at Leeds United, Schäfer said the player returned to Jamaica and embarked on a conditioning programme to prepare him for the Boyz’ next four matches, starting with Serbia. It pleased Schäfer that Austin responded positively to a “letter sent to all players” outlining they “have to work”. “Austin is a good example,” he said.
The coach also welcomed the responses of several newcomers, for example British-born Simon Dawkins, who he called “a very good player”, and Joel Grant, who Schäfer had seen play on the Internet. Both impressed when he contacted them about possible senior national debuts against Serbia.
“When I called Dawkins, I smell he was very happy,” said Schäfer of the Derby County attacking player. ” … His mother was happy.”
Grant, who plays for Yeovil Town and represented Jamaica youth teams before, was the same.
Schäfer is reviewing how players respond on the field and off. Bonding and communication are keys. He wants to push their limits. Test them.
Not everyone satisfied the coach’s expectations. Schäfer described Ravel Morrison’s response to a possible national call, for example, as “opposite” to Dawkins and Grant.
“This player we don’t need,” said Schäfer.
Morrison first signed with Manchester United as a teenager. Now 21, he has already played for West Ham United and been on loan to Birmingham City and Queens Park Rangers.
However, Schäfer is not beyond offering second chances. He recalled Chris Humphrey of Preston North End.
“When (Schäfer) called me back, I vowed (problems) wouldn’t happen again,” said Humphrey, who, years ago, was dismissed from the national team after allegedly violating curfew.
He has wanted to play for Jamaica since he first kicked a ball as a three-year-old in St Catherine. Turns out, that’s exactly the type of player Schäfer is looking for.