Vibe CT 105 W Connection President David John-Williams expects his players to give it their all in the first leg quarter-final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup against Mexican powerhouses Chivas.
The game is carded for Tuesday at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella, from 8 p.m.
“It’s another football game, certainly a big one, but it’s just another football game,” said John-Williams.
“The boys in the W Connection camp are quietly confident they can perform against the Mexicans. We have respect for the opposition, they are probably one of the better teams we will ever play against, but the guys are confident they could go out on the day and get a proper result playing at home.”
“It is football, the ball is round, both sides have eleven men and we just have to wait and see who can execute on the day.”
John-Williams said his players are not going to be intimidated by Chivas despite their outstanding record.
They have won the Mexican league on eleven occasions, a record none of the other Mexican sides have achieved.
The W Connection boss said: “One thing for sure is that we try not to put fear in our players. The players are confident they can go out and play, having waited for this moment all their lives in terms of playing big teams like Chivas. Any footballer will have butterflies on a big day because the adrenalin is flowing, but things would be alright once the game starts.”
John-Williams admitted he did not have much knowledge about the Mexican side besides the basic details.
“We know they are the Mexican champs and have six or seven national players on their side. They play a very patient, quick passing game in true Mexican style. The fact that they won the league eleven teams indicates they are a quality team.”
While John-Williams understandably did not reveal Connection’s plan for Chivas, he said the ‘Savonetta Boys’ were going to be positive in their approach.
“The objective of the team is to play very closed at the back and try to maintain as much possession as possible, and make the least mistakes. We must take care of our home advantage by winning the game before heading to Mexico.”
He added, “Our style of play at W Connection is quite similar to that of the Mexicans, and we hope the athleticism of our players works to our advantage against Chivas.”
The return leg of the home and away series takes place on February 28.