Hallgrimsson shields ‘Whisper’ from pressure

March 21, 2023
Jamaica’s Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards (left) contends with Trinidad and Tobago’s Noah Powder during the recent friendly international football match at the National Stadium, which ended in a 0-0 draw.
Jamaica’s Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards (left) contends with Trinidad and Tobago’s Noah Powder during the recent friendly international football match at the National Stadium, which ended in a 0-0 draw.
Heimir Hallgrimsson
Heimir Hallgrimsson
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Reggae Boyz coach Heimir Hallgrimsson is limiting the expectations and pressure already building on Dujuan 'Whisper' Richards, by excluding the 17-year-old from the Concacaf Nations League squad to face Mexico.

According to Hallgrimsson, the omission is not about Richards being good enough, but instead, is to protect the talented youngster, whom he sees as part of Jamaica's football future.

The 23-man squad was released yesterday with seven players retained from the Trinidad and Tobago series, but with Richards notably missing. Richards made his senior debut during the series, with his first senior start on March 14 in that 0-0 draw with the Soca Warriors, being one of the attacking threats in the game.

In a press conference yesterday, Hallgrimsson said they wanted to protect Richards and were unwilling to burden him in a must-win game for Jamaica that will determine a place in the Nations League semifinals in June.

"We considered him like all others. Another reason we did not select him is that there are a lot of things in his life. He is making a big move to a big club, Chelsea, and they don't sign average players. So it just shows what they think of him.

"He is moving to another country, so there are a lot of other things going on in his mind. So we need to protect a player like this; don't put too much load and pressure on him at this stage," Hallgrimsson said.

Hallgrimsson invited Richards to his first senior training camp in January and has been pleased with how he conducted himself then, as well as in the two games against Trinidad. Richards signed a pre-contract to Chelsea before the series and is expected to join the club this November when he turns 18.

"We were really happy with him. I was criticised for picking him (for the Trinidad series). Some thought that was a silly thing to do, and he did really well for a 17-year-old. The future is his if he continues to work hard, there is no doubt in our minds as a coaching staff." Hallgrimsson said.

"He is not the final product, but I believe he will be a national team player for Jamaica in the future. For sure you will see him in the national team, but we don't want to put pressure on him."

Jamaica are currently in camp for a week in Montego Bay before they travel to Mexico City for Sunday's game.

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