Beenhakker takes ‘Warriors’ to Germany

This announcement was made at a media conference at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Port of Spain.

Warner noted, "(Beenhakker) said to me, most certainly, that he’ll be with us for the next (seven) months in the first instance.

"He has given me some preliminary conditions and terms whereby he has assured me that the team shall go to Germany and to perform," Warner continued.

Beenhakker, who led TT from the depths in CONCACAF World Cup Final Round qualifying to their first ever spot in the World Cup, returned home yesterday evening after lengthy discussions with Warner on Friday.

Warner pleased with the Government "to give Leo an open budget to prepare this team as he has done so far.

"It is the only way that we, eventually, can be proud of our performance," added the FIFA vice-president. "I told him (on Friday) that, within my resources, he has no cause for worry.

"I said to him (on Friday) that, as far as I’m concerned, my resources shall be at his disposal," Warner noted. "And the contract he signed for the next seven months has been one signed on my behalf until I get any other direction anywhere else."

Warner made it clear that Trinidad and Tobago would only play one friendly international here before the World Cup, with the game scheduled for March 29. "(Beenhakker) said he’s only doing so because he wants the public to be given an official farewell," he said. Disclosing that, with a budget of US$5 million, Trinidad and Tobago was the smallest country - with the lowest expenditure - to qualify for a World Cup, Warner stated, "this would not be possible for us to do, if we are to participate creditably in the finals in Germany.

He made a call to the media "to try to sensitise the public, the Government and the business (sector) to understand that we don’t have time on our side. And we need the assistance, particularly financially.

"We have estimated that, to perform creditably in Germany, it would take about US$15 million," Warner disclosed. "If even we get that money, it will still be the lowest budget for any country in a World Cup Finals.

He continued, "I am not able to disclose to you all the arrangements but when they are finalised and they are made public, you’ll understand and be able to justify what expenses are involved."

And he also spoke about the recently-arranged Warriors Pride Appreciation Fund, which was set up for members of the public to donate funds towards the team.

"(On Friday) I asked Scotia (Bank) ‘tell me what is the fund at the moment’. And the bank told me the fund at the moment is $27,000, of which $10,000 came from me," he revealed.

"I recalled the long lines of people in the street (on November 17)," he continued. "I recalled the crowds at Piarco (Airport) on (the team’s) arrival. I recalled all the phone calls and e-mails I’ve received, and have been receiving. But those things have not been transferred into dollars and cents.   

"I want to say to you publicly that Leo by himself cannot do it," Warner affirmed. "Even with his best intentions, he has to be given the tools."