Md Anwar Ullah: The slim hope of Bangladesh football head coach Jamie Day of joining the team in Qatar where the booters are set to play their away match on December 4 against the hosts in the World Cup 2022 and the Asia Cup 2023 joint qualifiers.
But uncertainty still looms large over Jamie’s joining the team in Doha.
Bangladesh team, who went to Doha on November 19 leaving Jamie in Dhaka, have already played two practice matches, suffered defeats in both matches — 2-1 against Qatar Army Football team and 1-0 against Lusail Sports Club.
However, general secretary of the BFF Abu Nayeem Shohag informed The Independent on Sunday that they were hopeful about Jamie’s joining the team abroad as they are looking forward the result of another test of coronavirus tomorrow.
“Jamie will have to undergo another test for coronavirus tomorrow and we will have the report on Thursday. He could fly for Qatar on same day and that would be the last chance provided that he tests negative. After reaching there would have a one-day’s quarantine and will be able to join the team on match day,” he said.
“We are still hopeful that this time he will be okay but we can’t give any final decision,” said the BFF GS.
Meanwhile, Jamie Day was found Covid-19 positive for three times with first time on November 17 after the FIFA first friendly against Nepal.
Jamie Day when shared his views with the Independent on Sunday, clarified the chance left for him to go Qatar and explained how the team would be progressed and handled perfectly, game plan, strategy in Friday’s match against Qatar national side.
“I will have to see how the next few days tick by,” Jamie agreed that his travel to Qatar is still uncertain but looked eager to join the team.
About the bitter experiences in the two practice games Jamie does not think the result of two practice matches would affect the team ahead of the key match.
About the game plan and strategy of the match, Jamie Day said, “Yes, I have spoken to the staff regarding team and game plan. We have worked together for nearly three years, so they know how to work even in absence of head coach.”
Jamie, who has confidence in his compatriot and deputy Stuart Watkins, at present looking after the team and under him two matches in Qatar were played, said, “Stuart has loads of experiences, if I am not there then he is more than capable. Stuart has managed more games than me.”
Jamie prefers the defensive strategy against Qatar match, as he said, “I think we have to be slightly defensive as if they would have too much space then they will punish us.”
