Trinidad and Tobago interim head coach Derek King says there were lessons despite the Soca Warriors’ 3–0 defeat to Bolivia national football team in an international friendly.
King admitted his young, largely local-based squad was at times “naive,” especially in the first half, but said the team improved after the break and created a few chances.
“I think, firstly, we were a bit naive in the sense that we didn’t put down the football and play. As I told the guys when we were at home, it was always going to be difficult as we prepared for the playoff game,” he said.
“For the first 20 minutes, as I told them, we had to stay in the game. I think we allowed a soft goal; I believe it was in the 22nd minute, but all in all, I think the guys did well,” King added.
Five players made their senior debuts, including Elijah Cordner, as King used the match to expose younger players to international football.
“It was a very young team we brought here. Five players made their debut today, but we saw some positives in the game coming from some young players,” he said.
“Our senior guys, our captain, Andre Rampersad, and our young centre-back, Adam Pierre, were decent. What we tried to do was, as I told them, after we made some adjustments in the system, we came out and tried to focus only on football. I think we created at least one or two chances.”
King says the team has plenty to work on ahead of upcoming fixtures later this month.
T&T is set to compete in the FIFA Series, with matches against Venezuela on March 27 and Gabon on March 30 in Uzbekistan
