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Steve McClaren “in tears” as he quits Jamaica after losing to World Cup’s smallest nation Curacao

Steve McClaren was left “in tears” as he quits his role with Jamaica after losing to World Cup’s smallest nation Curacao.

After failing to automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Steve McLaren who was appointed in July last year, has resigned as manager.

Jamaica faced a winner-takes-all tie against Curacao, but they drew 0-0, meaning Curacao, who have a population of 156,000, qualify for the men’s World Cup.

McLaren addressed the media with a lengthy prepared statement announcing he was leaving, with Jamaica still able to qualify, however, the odds are now against them in a six-team mini-tournament in Mexico where they will have to win two games.. with the final against DR Congo or Iraq.

He said to the media after the game: “To the Jamaican people, the fans here and abroad, the players and everyone who has the Reggae Boys at heart.

“Over the last 18 months I have given everything I have to this job, to this role. I carry the weight and the pride of this job with the deepest respect.

“Leading this team really has been one of the greatest honours of my career. But football is a results business and tonight we’ve fallen short of our goal which was to qualify from this group.

“It is the responsibility of the leader, myself, to step forward, take accountability and make decisions in the best interest of the team for them to go forward.

“After deep reflection and an honest assessment of where we are and where we need to go, I have decided to step down as the head coach of the Jamaican national team.

“This decision comes from respect, always the respect of the badge, always the supporters and the players.

“Sometimes the best thing a leader can do is to recognise when a fresh voice, new energy and a different perspective is required to move this team forward.

“I want to take this moment to really thank the players and wish them luck in the play-offs in March. It really has been a privilege to coach them in all the camps and to have the ups and downs which is football, the luck, the unlucky. Everything we’ve been through as the players have been fantastic, bring great energy and attitude to the job.

“I want to thank the staff and the staff really are the engine room behind the scenes. They’ve been absolutely fantastic from day one. I enjoyed working with them.

“I know they’re all disappointed like we are. I want to thank the fans for supporting us through the ups and downs and as I said before, I’m positive this team will succeed in March. I want to thank the JFF for their support, especially Mr Speed who brought me here 18 months ago.

“I’ve worked with him especially closely over the last few months and I thank him for his support as well as the President who has always been there for me and my staff when we come over day in day out.

“Finally, I want to make it clear I’ve always said that leadership is a service. That’s what we do and tonight I think I best serve this team by stepping aside and allowing someone else to take this team forward which I know they’ll succeed in March and in the future.

“There’s so much talent and ability on this island and in the diaspora that it’s only a matter of time things are developing that they will succeed.”

Twitter users gave their thoughts with Steve McClaren “in tears” as he quits Jamaica after losing to World Cup’s smallest nation Curacao…

@PReddog84: Wally with the brolly strikes again

@TheBobbyCash: Fucking hell Steve, you’re in the play offs, give it a chance mate. What a quitter

@jnd_90: A shame, I genuinely wanted to see him to take Jamaica to the World Cup. The Play-Offs for them in March will be very hard, but doable under the right manager. Two poor draws in the past two matches cost them automatic qualification. 🇯🇲

@Bd_irB_ll: Just remembered that Jamaica entrusted a once in a lifetime opportunity at World Cup qualification to Steve McClaren man

@nat90HJ: So Steve McClaren has resigned, he had to go he fucked Jamaica up completely the fucking prick, i was never a fan of the appointment in the first place. Same thing he did with England back in the day against Croatia, same thing he has done with Jamaica, destroys countries kmt ❌

@KENDRYP4EZ: The players must also take accountability for these results, tactics can only get you so far in international football. At the end of the day, the team who wants it more will come out on top. There’s no excuses with the quality that some of the Jamaican player have

@Kingwolf84: I’m sorry but at least do the playoffs then quit if you don’t get out of them….

@gingerdavemk: Steve McClaren fucked it again 😆

@NUFCThreatLevel: Having flashbacks of Newcastle taking the best part of a week to announce “oh aye, we’ve actually sacked Steve McClaren..”

@rough_justice76: Steve McClaren failing? Didn’t see that coming.

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