Coach Bernard Says He Expected Hallgrimsson’s Exit

Bernard claimed that Hallgrimson’s style of coaching didn’t match with the characteristics of the Jamaican players

Ludlow Bernard has said that he wasn’t surprised by the resignation of Heimir Hallgrimsson from the Jamaican national soccer team. Bernard has previously won the schoolboy football title and also coached Jamaican Premier League.
Hallgrimsson resigned after the Reggae Boyz were knocked out of the ongoing Copa America tournament. They endured a horrible tournament in which they didn’t win any game and didn’t make it out of the group stages.
Bernard claimed that Hallgrimson’s style of coaching didn’t match with the characteristics of the Jamaican players.
“The Jamaican players like to play with speed and flair. These characteristics didn’t match with Hallgrimsson’s pragmatic tactics. The Icelandic coach has been known to use these defensive tactics even when he was the head coach of Iceland. It’s unfortunate that the two parties have to separate but this was a marriage that was always destined to fail,” Bernard explained.
There is some truth in Bernard’s words because Hallgrimsson was fond of using the 4-2-2 formation. This is a philosophy that puts emphasis on defending. Reggae Boyz fans would often ask Hallgrimsson to use more attacking formations like 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3. However, he would always persist with his tactics. Therefore, it’s not surprising that his contract has come to a premature.
The 57-year-old has been the Reggae Boyz coach for one year and 10 months. Many Jamaicans will remember him giving opportunities to youngsters. He will also be remembered for finishing third in the Concacaf Nations League. He registered 11 victories, nine draws and 10 defeats across 27 matches.
Bernard advised the Jamaica Football Federation to appoint a coach that will play processive attacking football. He insisted that Hallgrimsson’s replacement shouldn’t be another defensive-minded coach. He wants the JFF to make this appointment quickly so that the Boyz can prepare for September’s Nations League action.

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Mary Johnson

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