Ricardo Gardner prefers 5-3-2

BY CAROLYN JOHNSON, Star Writer

A week after Jamaica's heartbreaking defeats by Ghana and England, injured captain Ricardo 'Bibi' Gardner says he believes the formation used by the Reggae Boyz in the 1998 World Cup qualifiers was better, having produced more desirable results.

"For my personal view it's the coach's decision but I prefer the 5-3-2. But whatever the coach says we have to do. He is in charge. But I think that formation got us to the World Cup in '98," he told STAR Sports.

DIFFERENT FORMATION

The 5-3-2 formation, which uses five defenders, three midfielders and two forwards, was employed by then technical director Rene Simoes. However, current technical director Wendell Downswell has since employed another formation, 4-4-2, with one less defender.

Although the left back plays the latter in England, he explains, "Jamaica got accustomed to that formation where we used 5-3-2, so it's hard to adapt (to the 4-4-2 formation). Overseas they are used to that formation, something which they have grown into."

So why doesn't the formation work for Jamaica? Gardner surmises that the overall preparation and attitude may be different.

"At the end of the day we have to make it work, but it's not working now," he concluded.

In commenting on Jamaica's performances in both games, 'Bibi' said the results were obviously disappointing.

"There is a lot that the players can learn from the games. Good experience, to try and compete against some of the biggest players around the world."

He said, however, that he could not comment on what needs to be improved because he was not available for the preparations. Overall he counts it as a good experience.

"Hopefully next time they can do better," the Bolton Wanderers defender said.

Now walking on crutches, Gardner had to sit out both matches because of a recurring right knee injury that flared up in April.

"After we played a game against Tottenham, I woke up the next morning with my foot swollen. I did a scan [that] showed I had a torn cruciate ligament."

Gardner went to the United States for reconstruction surgery last month.

LIGAMENT TORN

"Before, it was partly torn, wasn't fully torn, so I did healing response but it was getting worse so I had to do the surgery," he told STAR Sports. The player says he will be out for four to six months and hopes that by September he will be well enough to play.

He is now in Jamaica recuperating and working on his music production company, Heart Of Love Production. His healing process involves physiotherapy once per day and exercise up to three times daily on his own. He hopes to return to England in August.

After eight seasons at Bolton Wanderers there has been talk that Gardner has had other club offers. To this the player simply said: "Just rumours going around.

"I'm happy now but if a chance comes then I have to go. I have no problem moving to another club if the two clubs come to an agreement. A jus de work," he said.