Williams praises players despite CONCACAF exit

According to Williams, “I think it was really positive in terms of the progress of the team. I know it would have been difficult for us playing at that level, but it wasn’t beyond us. “We really wanted to get some of our players like Keston Julien and Levi Garcia to enhance the team’s performance at that level because we know going to the CONCACAF level,” he continued.

“To have a World Cup squad, we need all the best possible players to represent the country but, other than that, I think it was a real positive and a good trip for our young players.

“Obviously areas like our goalscoring and concentration we need to work on but, generally, I think it was a good improvement and a good representation for the national team. As (the) coach, we could have done better but I was pretty satisfied with the guys’ effort and commitment towards the whole tournament.

There were a few players who were unable to make the TT team due to school commitments in the United States.

Williams acknowledged, “those are some of the better players to represent the country at that level. I feel a better effort could (have) been made.

I know (there were) some challenges with some of the schools not making our players available to represent the country because the youth football don’t play in the international window.

I don’t know if it’s direct representation in terms of face-to-face contacts instead of just emails and telephone calls.” The ex-Trinidad and Tobago defender added, “it’s something that we, as a developing country (rather) than a football country where you have much to choose from, should try to have all our best players available to represent the national team. Nevertheless, the players who (were) there gave a good account of themselves- ....a nice disciplined bunch of guys.

The other thing is the continuity of these boys that we would like to see because it’s supposed to be a natural transition to Under- 23s because those players are pretty decent players, just with exposure and development they could be good senior team players.” For the players - those who were in Costa Rica and the others who failed to make the cut, Williams said, “most of them would be going on to senior football so their personal ambition is to get into clubs (and) try to look to make the senior team. In a nutshell they need to get into some of the Pro League clubs and take it from there. (Also) look for contracts abroad and play at a higher level.”