Bermuda coach Michael Findlay has declared nothing short of three points is good enough from the World Cup qualifier against Trinidad & Tobago tonight (7pm).

Following defeats by Jamaica and Curaçao in the first two matches, there is pressure on Findlay’s side to pick up a win against struggling Trinidad, who have picked up a point from two matches, to ensure that Bermuda remain in the qualification race with three matches left to play.

“It’s a case of do or die this window,” Findlay told The Royal Gazette.

“We need to pick up some points if we’re going to do anything in the group and our objective is three points on Friday night.

“Those three points are going to be critical to us being able to continue our quest to be part of the story in November.

“That’s really what we’ve always said, can we play meaningful games? You’ve probably heard me say that before, but it’s really important, so you can say this is a must win.”

Findlay took the time 48 hours before the game to share his thoughts on how three points could be delivered at Flora Duffy Stadium.

“When you look at the Jamaica game, we gave up a couple of goals, which I think we didn’t need to,” the coach said.

“But we came back in the second half with really good energy and we had an opportunity to tie the game. We didn’t, purely because we didn’t execute at the times we needed to execute and that’s just the reality of the game.

“Without the ball, it’s about being able to deal with the pace of the game, the physicality and athleticism at this level of play. I think we’ve learnt something about that an those are the things we've been focusing on.

“I think if we apply ourselves accordingly, we’re never going to question the desire of these players. The interest in being successful and the responsibility they’re taking, I think we’re building into something that is really good, so, hopefully the results reflect that.”

Last week, the Bermuda Football Association announced that assistant coach Kenny Thompson had stepped down from his position to attend to personal matters. His role was assigned to Jake Littlejohn, a Fifa talent identification coach seconded to the island.

Findlay, who brought in Thompson and John Barry Nusum as his assistants when he was appointed in August 2023, made his views known on the changes to the technical team.

“Kenny’s experience, his understanding of the game and media culture, all of those elements are critical to us,” the Canadian said.

“But you know, life is life and sometimes certain situations take precedence over football, and we wish Kenny the best as he deals with some personal issues.

“Bringing Jake in, who acts as the Talent Development Scheme coach for the Bermuda Football Association, was a decision I made along with BFA and other members of the staff.

“It’s because he's been around us a bit, he’s been doing some analysis and we had a very short period of time.

“It was like two weeks before, so instead of maybe reaching into other Bermudian coaches, because we do have an all-Bermudian staff, instead of doing that we thought we’d stay with people who are close to the group at this moment in time.

“But it’s been great, it’s transitioned very easily and everybody’s working the same. They start to build a sort of a family type of atmosphere, so we’ve transitioned well with that.”

When Bermuda played Jamaica on September 5, more than 4,000fans turned up to witness the clash. It remains to be seen if the match against Trinidad will attract the same interest.

“It was amazing to see the turnout against Jamaica,” Findlay added.

“When Bermuda is playing, Bermuda is supported by Bermudians. I can tell that the players are so impressed and so honoured to be able to play in front of that type of atmosphere, that passion.

“And it drove them on from the very first kick of the ball. In terms of us going down, it kept them focused, knowing that they needed to do a job.

“It is absolutely essential to see that crowd again and they’ve always been greatly enthusiastic in this sport.”