NATIONAL striker, Cornell Glen, has hailed the impact of new Soca Warriors coach Stephen Hart following their decent showing at the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Hart took charge of the team a mere three weeks before the tournament began and orchestrated their best run since 2000, exiting at the quarter-final round last Sunday.
TT finished the group stage with one win, loss and a draw before holding Mexico scoreless for 84 minutes in the ‘quarters’ but bowing out agonisingly 1-0. Speaking with Newsday yesterday, Glen commended the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) for their decision to replace former coaches Jamaal Shabazz and Hutson Charles at the helm prior to the tourney.
“It was a tremendous decision to bring Hart and (new Technical Director) Leo Beenhakker. Stephen did a tremendous job and helped the team in terms of structure and defensively.
I haven’t seen that discipline in the team in a number of years,” the former North East Stars striker declared.
Glen, who played in the 2-0 win over Honduras and the Mexico match, said he was satisfied with his showing in the tournament and believes he and captain Kenwyne Jones formed a formidable partnership on top.
“I feel good about my performance and the team, knowing that not much was expected of us. We worked really hard in training camp and played as a team.
It was easy playing with Kenwyne because we’ve been great friends for a while now. We know each other well and playing with him is easier than it would be with anyone else,” he explained. The new Shillong Lajong FC acquisition noted that the future of football in T&T is bright and highlighted some of the young players who impressed at the Gold Cup.
“A number of guys did really well. Joevin Jones played good and it was unfortunate that he got injured, Daneil Cyrus was good and Khaleem Hyland is a player for the future that we need to keep a eye on. (Kevin) Molino came in and gave us a much needed spark too,” he continued.
Asked about his future with the national team, the 31-year-old says his sole focus is on his new club in India. “I’m just looking forward to starting my new season in India. I’m taking it step by step and when the time comes (for the national team), if I still have my legs (fitness), I’ll think about it,” he revealed.
On his goals for the 2013/2014 season, Glen stated: “My goal is to score goals and be among the top scorers and help my team win trophies. I’m one of the biggest signings in the club’s history and although it’s a lot of pressure, I’m up for the challenge. It’s a league that’s improving and I just have to begin learning the culture,” he concluded.