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Barnes: Jamaica must develop its own pattern of play
GORDON WILLIAMS, Star Writer
John Barnes - file
Jamaica football's long, tight embrace of what is popularly called the "Brazilian philosophy" may soon be loosened up a bit, under John Barnes, who officially takes over as senior national coach on November 1.
According to Barnes, who played 25 years professionally in Europe for clubs like Watford and Liverpool, and also starred for England, Jamaica will have to use its best assets - speed, strength and skill - to establish its own identity. After a succession of Brazilian national coaches, including recently fired Rene Simoes, the traditional style used by the South Americans may not be the correct fit for the Reggae Boyz.
"Well, you need a winning philosophy," explained Barnes on Monday. " ... What we have to do is create an identity in the team, whereby the players understand what's required of them to win the game. That's all you need."
Not the Brazilian way
Barnes argued that the graceful Brazilian way of the past may not even be the choice of the South Americans themselves. They were criticised for their less-than-exciting victory at World Cup 1994. The five-time champions won in 2002, but now even passionate fans are unclear of the team's direction.
"Who knows what is a Brazilian philosophy?," Barnes said. "Because for Brazilians, Dunga, who has been the manager for the last two years, may not be playing a Brazilian philosophy."
Barnes said he is taking a close look at Jamaica's talent to determine how best to utilise it, and attended two Digicel Premier League games on Sunday. He already likes what he sees. Yet whatever style he chooses for Jamaica will demand total commitment, Barnes said, a Brazilian trademark often overlooked.
"What we don't understand, and we have never understood - Africa, Jamaica, black countries who idolise Brazil - is the discipline that it takes to play a Brazilian philosophy," Barnes explained. " ... So what we have done, we have taken the fantasy and the flair out of Brazilian football without putting into it the discipline, the dedication and the structure. So, I like the Brazilian philosophy, but my idea of the Brazilian philosophy may be different to another person's idea of the Brazilian philosophy."
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