 Former National Under 20 striker Atulla Guerra believes that as little as a 20-minute run for the Soca Warriors on Sunday against Grenada will do him a world of good as he attempts to break away from his struggles in East Dry River.
Guerra, linked to English club Portsmouth last year, describes his upbringing as “tough under very difficult conditions in my community” and now he’s hoping to use football and the wearing of the red, white and black strip to give him a lease on life.
The 19-year-old brother of the late Mark Guerra, murdered in 2003, says he wants to become a fixture in Maturana’s team and believes he is focused more than ever after falling out of national selection in the past because of a wayward training attendance record.
View video of session, Connel interview, comments from Corneal and Whitley
“It’s been tough for me and my family but they have always tried to support me in my football. Now I will try my best t make it my duty to represent my country it’s an honour to do this,” Guerra, of Clico San Juan Jabloteh told TTFF Media.
“Coming from the area where I live – East Dry River, people always look to you to being doing wrong all the time or involved in crime. I want them to understand that football is my life right now and I am willing to give it my best shot and work as hard as I can. They said a lot of bad things about my brother. He was never bad to me but now I have to try and get over that feelings people have. I have to try and make it…” Guerra added on Thursday.
 When asked why he has not made regular appearances at national team training in the past, Guerra said: “A lack of focus and not having enough confidence in myself was the reason for that . I wasn’t sure about what I wanted. Things will change because I am always truthful to myself. If I do the right things then good things will happen.”
Atulla Guerra
“I followed the hard work of Travis Mulraine and try to follow his ways in life because he’s a good friend of mine. I also admire Russell Latapy … he is a very good player,” Guerra said.
“I will try my best to make this chance work for me. The current coach puts us first as youths and that is a very good feeling for us as youngsters. Even if I could play 20 minutes against Grenada, it will be like a dream come true to me. This is my chance to make a difference in my life and try to help the country on the football field,” he concluded.
Meantime team captain Aurtis Whitley is welcoming any sort of rugged approach from Grenada on Sunday as he believes the harder they come at the “Soca Warriors” the better the hosts will react.
“I think we need a hard game from them. We don’t expect they will come and pay easy football.. they want to win as well and they also have World Cup qualifiers to prepare for. I think our team is in good shape at the moment .We are unbeaten for the year and the confidence is there. We have players that are hungry and I expect to see that on the pitch on Sunday.”
Whitley and his teammates underwent fitness examinations over the past two days with Uruguayan specialist trainer Jose Luis Davila. Head coach Francisco Maturana and trainer Jorge Luis worked with Davila in the past.
Maturana added : “This is important for us because we can get an accurate idea on the condition of the players. It means that we can plan our fitness program to meet the needs of the players and work on improving it.”
Assistan coach Anton Corneal further explained “What we did was take a full recording of the players physical state – their weight, body fat and muscle mass among other recordings. We tested their football fitness level which is relevant to what we need from their bodies for the game itself. And now a recording will be kept and a comparison will be made to other international and professional players. We hope to continue this type of monitoring with all our players
Take a full recording of players state, weight, body fat, muscle mass. Took their strength physical, tested their fitness level, football fitness level. Comparison to players similar in professional leagues and international players,” Corneal said.
The Grenadians are scheduled to arrive at 8pm on Friday night for Sunday’s game which kicks off at 6pm at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya. (April 25, 200)
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