In an official press conference held Friday, September 4 at Port-au-Prince’s Karibe Hotel, the Haitian Football Federation (FHF) formally introduced 51-year-old Spanish tactician David Badia as the new head coach of Haiti’s senior men’s national football team, widely known as the Grenadiers. Badia has signed a binding two-year contract to lead the Caribbean side through upcoming international competitions, and was on the ground in Haiti to attend the unveiling in person.
During the press event, Badia laid out his core strategic vision, long-term mission, and planned adjustments for the Grenadiers program. He framed his appointment as an opportunity to build on the national team’s recent momentum rather than execute a full reset. “My priority mission is to drive this group forward and build on the solid standing we currently hold,” Badia told reporters. “We are already performing at a good level, but that is never the ceiling. Our work will focus on forging a clear, distinct national team identity as we push for consistent progress.”
The newly appointed coach outlined a playing philosophy centered on controlled possession and proactive, attacking football, noting that he expects intensity from his players both when they hold the ball and when they are working to win it back. He shared that he already has strong confidence in the talent available to the Grenadiers, saying he is certain the squad will adapt to his tactical requirements and meet his performance expectations.
Badia also reflected on the warm welcome he received upon arriving in Haiti, highlighting a moment that underscored the nation’s deep connection to its national team. “When I drove into the city, I was genuinely struck by how many people I saw wearing the Grenadiers jersey on the street,” he said. “It was surprising to see so many fans rocking the national team’s colors on a non-matchday, and it really drove home how incredible and passionate the fanbase here is. That energy means a lot to me.”
When asked about roster plans, Badia confirmed that he intends to slowly transition the squad toward a younger generation of talent, rather than forcing a rapid, disruptive overhaul of the current group. “We will bring new young blood into the national team, but this process will happen step by step,” he explained. “The existing core of the squad will remain intact — I have full confidence in what this group has already achieved. We will gradually integrate new players who can raise our overall level of play, and there are no arbitrary barriers to who can earn a call-up. The door is open to any eligible player, whether they currently play their club football in Haiti or overseas.”
The appointment marks a new chapter for the Grenadiers as they prepare for upcoming CONCACAF qualifying cycles and international tournaments, with Badia set to begin his tenure immediately ahead of the team’s next scheduled fixtures.