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Dixon plans to sort out Vere in Jamaica Premier League’s break
November 22, 2022
The struggles of Vere United in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) this season are identical to their performance over the last campaign, and coach Linval Dixon will be working during the World Cup break to be competitive in the league.
Dixon contends that poor fitness and finishing are their Achilles heel, which they will use the interval to correct.
"We know we have some things to work on. We need to get our fitness level and our concentration level up to a standard, so we can really compete in the Premier League.
"The last few games we have played, we have been giving up goals in the latter stages of the games and that is something we have to address and fix for when we return in December," Dixon said.
Last season Vere netted only 12 goals in 22 matches, the lowest in the league, however, they still finished ninth as they also boasted the second best defensive record.
In four matches this term, the Clarendon-based Vere, have scored only once, and their two draws place them 12th in the 14-team standing.
"We are not taking the chances and I think that is one of the major concerns that we have and that is coming from last season. Yes, we defend well at times but we are not taking our chances. It is something that we have to look at and try to get better in that department.
"We cannot draw all the games we play. To win games you have the score goals. So we will look at it seriously in training and try to get it right," Dixon said.
Nevertheless, the five-week interlude is a big positive for Dixon and he is confident they can iron out the kinks.
"We are talking about professional players who play at the highest level in the country. So we know we will correct all of those mistakes.
"I think the break will help us. It will not harm us. Not every team in the Premier League had a good preseason because of rain and other things, and teams always pick up in the middle or the latter part of the season," he said.
"Unfortunately, we are one of the teams that will have to put in some work in the time that we get and get ready for the resumption," Dixon said.
He added that they also intend to strengthen the squad, but will be looking at bringing schoolboy talent instead of seasoned professionals.
"Our thing is to get young players and we will continue to do that as soon as the schoolboy football season is over. We will definitely get some more youngsters to go with the few senior players. So we will definitely be looking in that direction," Dixon said.
