Bangladesh midfielder Shamit Shome has firmly dismissed suggestions that recent late-match mistakes are linked to a divide between local and foreign-born players, insisting that the national team operates as a unified group.
Speaking before the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against India on 18 November at the Dhaka National Stadium, he stressed that “we win together and lose together” and that the squad does not view performances through the lens of origin.
Speaking about India’s strength, Shamit acknowledged the challenge but insisted Bangladesh are prepared.
“We know India are a good team. We are also a good team. This match means a lot because of the rivalry. It will be a good competition, but we will be ready and I hope we can win and put in a strong performance,” he said.
He also noted that Bangladesh have been unlucky in recent matches and need to maintain concentration throughout.
“These things happen in football. Our luck is not going our way and those little bounces are not falling for us. We need to stay focused until the final whistle. We are still learning how to close out a match when we are leading,” he explained.
When asked about confidence levels ahead of the India match, Shamit said the squad believe they can control the game if they stay organised.
“The whole team is confident, from the goalkeeper to the striker. The performances have been improving even if the wins are not coming. Hopefully we can turn that into a winning result this time,” he said.
Asked about progress since joining the national setup, Shamit felt the team structure has improved under the current coaching group.
“Our team spirit, passing and match control have increased a lot. The main thing now is to turn performances into wins. I have not won yet since coming here and that is something we are all chasing,” he added.
Shamit said motivation needs no extra push in a fixture as emotionally loaded as Bangladesh versus India.
“This is a huge rivalry match. Everyone knows what it means. Even when I first arrived in Bangladesh, people told me to be ready for the India match. The implication is big and the motivation is already there,” he said.
He pointed out specific areas where Bangladesh can target India.
“They are a good team but they have gaps between their midfield and defensive lines. If we can exploit those spaces and find our striker through those half-spaces, we can create chances,” he said.
Shamit defended the coaching staff and said tactical preparation has been strong.
“The coach has set a high standard for all players. The goals we score often come from what we practise. Sometimes goals conceded happen from individual or collective mistakes, not coaching issues,” he noted.
Reflecting on Bangladesh’s long drought against India, Shamit said the players understand the weight of expectation.
“It has been many years since we beat them. Everyone feels the pain when we concede late goals. We are talking about preventing those moments. We want to give a complete 90-minute performance and finally win,” he said.
Shamit ended by expressing how much representing Bangladesh means to him and how strongly he wants the victory.
“I love coming here and competing with my teammates. If we get that win, it will reinforce everything we have been building. I hope on Tuesday we can celebrate together,” he said.
