Bahrain to test Beenhakker

The only player scheduled in after last night was skipper Dwight Yorke who is due in today. Beenhakker will go ahead with his first session from 9.30 am at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo in prepration for the first of two World Cup play-off matches against Bahrain on Saturday and on November 16.

The Bahrain football side, scheduled to arrive yesterday evening is booked to train at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 7.30 pm.

Arriving in Trinidad on Sunday were Kenwyne Jones, Brent Sancho and Stern.

On yesterday’s flight back home were Russell Latapy, West Ham goalie Shaka Hislop, Dundee’s Kelvin Jack, Crewe Alexandra’s Clayton Ince, Luton Town’s Carlos Edwards, St Johnstone’s Jason Scotland, Glasgow Rangers’ Marvin Andrews, Chris Birchall, Dennis Lawrence and Yokohama’s Silvio Spann.

Cornell Glen and Scott Sealy also returned while Avery John was expected last evening.

"I think it’s obviously exciting times for us and the sooner we can get things going on the pitch then I think the boys will all be comfortable and focused on the job ahead," John told TTFF Media.

"We are confident yes but at the same time, nothing is certain and we have two very big matches ahead of us. The country needs to realise that and be patient too at the same time," he said.

Meanwhile, Beenhakker is not getting carried away by the euphoria surrounding these next two matches, saying that he intends to do nothing different from what has been ongoing so far since taking charge of the team.

"I wanted to enforce three things. First of all building a team, working on the fact that the left hand has to know what the right hand is doing. Second we worked one hour, each session, on ball possession because that is what football is all about. Finally, to get much more confidence and forget that the other guys are better then you are," Beenhakker said in reference to the transition of the Warriors over the last few matches.

If there ever was a complete opposite to Jose Mourinho, Beenhakker is it. On the brink of greatness with Trinidad, he is modest, self-effacing and reserved.

Beenhakker went straight for the tunnel after the dramatic comeback against Mexico.

"I was the first guy to go inside because the players had all the right to celebrate it on the pitch. It was not the end, it was only the beginning. It was nice, but we have not won anything at all," he said.

And while his confidence in the team has always been there, he did admit that it has also grown.

"I was surprised that Mexico scored the first goal because we had the whole match in our hands. I was full of confidence that we could win this match and I said that at half-time to the players. Just go out and perform, the chances will come and you can win this match. It was a match where you had the sensation within five minutes that you could win it," he said.

His faith in his players is striking and he is confident without seeming arrogant.

Yorke and Latapy emerged from retirement for this World Cup qualifying campaign, but Beenhakker rubbished claims that the pair are difficult to work with. "These guys are no more difficult then any other players. To manage a football team you need two things. You need your knowledge of football and you need to understand people and give your time to them," he said.

The relationship he shares with his players is unparalleled.

"I give all my time, 24 hours a day, to my players. It can be on the pitch, it can be outside the pitch, it can be in a mental way, social way, but I live with them 24 hours. I think that is the key of building a good team and also to do your job, not only in a professional way but also in a human way," he said.

And what Beenhakker thinks qualifying for Germany will mean to the twin-island republic?

"A week’s Carnival," he replies with a little laugh.

Bahrain will test Beenhakker’s resilience as a manager. "We will not underestimate Bahrain in any way. The supporters and everybody can dream of Germany. The main part is that we the professionals keep both feet on the ground. Let’s first play Bahrain. I always want to win. I will only be happy when we win and when we qualify for Germany," he said.