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Hallgrimsson: We need to accept Bailey’s professional way of thinking
June 03, 2024
Reggae Boyz coach Heimir Hallgrimsson says Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey, who has made himself unavailable for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and Copa America tournament, is standing up for what he believes in and hopes the player's stance will lead to positive changes in the national team.
Hallgrimsson said it will 'hurt' not having his best player available, but that even though in the short term Bailey's absence will affect the team's effectiveness, he has no issue with the player or the position he has taken.
"It will affect our chances now to win matches, and it hurts not to play our best player. But I hope it will improve things in the long term.
"There is a reason he is doing this. One of his reasons is to stand up for what he thinks is correct, and it is something that we need to accept, his professional way of thinking.
"He wants to press some changes. So I hope that it will lead to something good," he said.
Bailey was suspended for Jamaica's Concacaf Nations League semi-final against the United States in March after missing curfew during Reggae Boyz previous camp.
The player then made his feelings known on the 'Let's Be Honest' podcast, where he demanded first-class flight bookings, while noting he had to book his own tickets for international duties, and his own room while in camp.
However, the Jamaica Football Federation refuted the player's claims on flight bookings and provided evidence of the his last three flights, at the time.
Nevertheless, Hallgrimsson hopes that Jamaica's football is the winner at the end of all this.
"Everyone has the platform to express what they feel. He (Bailey) has talked about what he wants and the changes he wants.
"So the problem is not between the coaching staff and Leon. It is not something I can participate in. I know for a fact that he is supporting us (team) 100 per cent.
"All our talks have been very professional and I have always had a very good relationship with Leon.
"He will not be available for the next two camps, and the reasons he has already talked about. Hopefully, it will lead to something good, even though it affects me and our chances to win," Hallgrimsson said.
