National football team head coach Jamie Day on Monday expressed concern over the hectic schedule of some players who will represent Bashundhara Kings in the AFC Cup alongside playing in the World Cup and Asia Cup Qualifying round.
Speaking at a virtual press conference from London, Jamie also stressed the need for talks between BFF (Bangladesh Football Federation) and Kings to find a solution that will benefit all.
“We [national team] want to prepare for the games and obviously Kings want the same,” he said as some national team players who also play for Kings in club football will have to take part in 5 matches in a span of just 17 days.
The World Cup and the Asia Cup qualifying matches of the national team and the AFC Cup matches of Bashundhara Kings will take place in a very close period.
The head coach also talked about the toughness for the players to make room in the final squad when 36 players will vie for 23 places.
“It’s not an ideal situation for the national team, the Kings and the players. They will be going under tremendous pressure during that time as travelling is also going to be a big issue,” Jamie said. Bashundhara will have to play five matches in 17 days in The Maldives.
“We expect players to perform to their maximum level in every single game … it will not be possible (due to the hectic schedule). We may have to look at resting players, helping them more in training,” Jamie said about the players of the Kings who are also in the national squad.
About the selection of 23 players from 36, Jamie said, “Usually, we take two players for each position … taking into consideration the injury issues it may be three for some positions. As we will have 36 players in the initial list, players will get tough challenge to have a place in the main squad. The best players will be in the squad in the next six to seven weeks to represent Bangladesh.”
About the recovery from injuries and coming back of Masuk Meah Jony and Atiqul Islam Fahad after a long time, Jamie said, “Yes, it’s good as Jony and Fahad are exceptionally very good. Let’s see their fitness and perfect shape.”
About the six new players in the 36-man team, Jamie told, “We watched them playing in the league, think played very well in the games. It’s now time for them to go into the camp to prove their fitness and performances.”
Jamie also thinks that it would be better if the BFF can go by its plan to arrange two practice matches. “Well, if they can manage practice matches it would be good. Every national team is in same condition.”
Jamie however will focus mainly on physical fitness. “In the first two weeks, we will concentrate on players’ physical fitness, then on technique and tactics. …But hope physical fitness will not be a problem. If all the players join camp in time they will get enough time to return to good shape.”
