TTFF NEWS - Latapy: Let's do it our way

Latapy: Let's do it our way

Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer, October 13, 2008

Veteran Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Russell Latapy is quietly optimistic
of this country's chances in pulling off a desired three points in
Wednesday's crucial World Cup qualifying encounter against United States.

Latapy, appointed as player/coach by the TTFF earlier this month, made a one
half appearance in T&T's 0-0 draw with Guatemala on Saturday but had to be
sacrificed at half time due to Cyd Gray's sending off. Nonetheless he was
delighted to be involved and contribute towards the team's showing.

"Fantastic point for us. We knew that if we didn't get at least a point
here then it would make things really difficult for us so I must say
congrats to everyone involved. We showed a lot of character, determination
and spirit as well to hold on with the two men.

"It wasn't the best surface that was conducive to the way that we want to
play football and the way we've always played football which is to get the
ball down and passing it. But again you have to adjust to whatever opponent
and surface and we got a point. It puts us in the driving seat now," Latapy
told TTFF Media on Sunday.

The former FC Porto man emphasized on his current role in the team.

"Well there are a couple of reasons why I'm back obviously. I'm never going
to turn my back on Trinidad and Tobago... I never have and I never will. I
think that I can still make a positive contribution at my age. I'm happy to
be playing at this level. I love football and I'll always play football and
be involved. It's a good opportunity to come back but most importantly is
making a contribution to Trinidad and Tobago football and to the team. It's
just good experience and the knowledge of the game... helping the younger
players understand what their roles are is important. I think spending more
time around the team will allow for a better understanding for the younger
players.

"I've only been here in reality for five days. First and foremost the aim is
to get us to the other round. My input as a coach has been very little so
far. It's been more my input as an experienced player and bouncing things of
management as an experienced player. Asking what I think as far as the type
of trainings, organising training sessions, getting us to a play at a
certain intensity and at a high rhythm. I haven't been involved a great deal
in that way. Bt saying that it's difficult being back for five days and
making one hundred percent changes.

"In my opinion, the ability, talent and experience that we have around... we
shouldn't be in the situation we are. But again we are here and we have to
deal with it and once we get into the other round there will be more time to
make improvements," Latapy added.

Following his half time exit. Latapy looked on at the remainder of the game
and spurred on from behind the T&T goal which was closed to the players
tunnel. And as the team walked off the pitch after the final whistle cheered
by the Guatemalan crowd, the "Little Magician" jogged with clenched fists in
the air.

He explained his reason for such a reaction.

"I think I've always been a winner in everything I did. It happens a lot in
football with players speaking to each other and I think Guatemala treated
us with a lot of disrespect in terms of some of the things they were saying
to us. I'm not really a big fan of speaking about referees but he had a lot
of wrong calls. He made a lot of home side decisions, so with us holding
out... that was saying to me that okay we've beaten the odds here under a
really harsh, difficult and aggressive atmosphere... we have put ourselves
in the driver's seat. We have to depend on nobody but ourselves so that is
one of the things I was excited about especially when you say things to
young players and they (are) now having the experience of seeing it and
experiencing it."

Three points is the definite aim on Wednesday, he added.

"We don't want to leave it coming down to the last game. I know on paper
everybody is thinking that if it comes down to the last game then we are
going to win against Cuba at home. We need to go into every game with the
same mentality that we are going to win, especially when we play at home
which is why we have home advantage. In playing against the States at home
we want to impose the type of football that we play... how Trinidadians play
football and show our technical ability and the way we have played ever
since. The essence of Trinidad and Tobago football is what we want to show
and obviously we want to come out with three points," Latapy concluded.