Austin relishing coaching opportunity with U20s
FORMER NATIONAL captain Rodolph Austin shared that he’s enjoying life in his current role as assistant coach of the national under-20 team. Austin, who has been part of the setup for just over two months, said it is a learning experience for him and he’s willing to be patient.
“I’m learning a lot as this is different from playing. I’m learning about the players and football and I just have to be patient and humble about it and that’s what it’s all about,” he stated.
Austin, who is known for his tough tackling as a player, represented the senior national team from 2004 to 2016, making 84 appearances while scoring on seven occasions. He stated that his message to the team is to get everyone on the same page and understand their role within the team. Since being on the coaching staff, he added that the boys have been receptive to his messages.
“There’s a lot of talent here and you just have to get everyone to understand that it’s a team sport and you have to do what’s best whether you’re starting or not. I think they’ve been respectful as I’ve been honest to them and don’t sugar-coat anything. I let them know that if you want something you have to go and get it, work hard and be disciplined. I just pass on the professional behaviour to them and hope that they will take it. Respect goes both ways so once you show them then they will show it back,” he stated.
The young Reggae Boyz booked their spot i n next summer’s Concacaf Men’s under20 championships following their 3-2 victory over Bermuda on Wednesday. Across their three Group F matches the table topping Reggae Boyz won three from three, scoring six goals while only conceding two. According to Austin, despite qualifying and winning the fixture he wasn’t pleased with how the team went about their business against Bermuda.
“I was a bit disappointed as we were in control of the game and leading 2-0. We also got a penalty, missed it and were complacent in the game. I wasn’t happy when we conceded two goals in the second half. That was unacceptable for me,” he explained.
Austin said the coaching staff is well aware that the level of competitiveness will i ncrease when the team locks horns against tougher opponents in Concacaf and the world so there should be no complacency.
“I hope we can fix this because I want us to be better when we meet the bigger teams in Concacaf, so that’s where our head is as a coaching staff and I hope the players know that this isn’t a joke thing at that level,” Austin said.