Bangladesh coach Thomas Dooley is confident that his team can end their long wait for the SAFF Championship title, but he wants his players to show the same quality for the national team that they produce for their clubs.
Bangladesh have not won the regional tournament since 2003. With the competition returning to Dhaka next month, Dooley believes his players have a chance to bring the trophy home.
“If every player does what he can do best, bring that onto the field at that time, I believe that we can do it. I’m really convinced that we can do it,” Dooley told reporters after the national team’s training camp began.
However, the coach admitted that Bangladesh must improve in several areas to compete for the title.
Dooley also pointed to the team’s recent matches against Malaysia and Indonesia. He believes his players must improve their decisions and handle pressure better against stronger opponents.
The coach also raised concerns about the team’s lack of a proper striker.
“Everybody knows that we’re looking for a number 9 and we don’t have a number 9,” he said.
Dooley explained that a centre forward must have the courage to challenge defenders and reach the ball first inside the penalty area.
He included Mahe Khan and Ronan Sullivan in the 28-member preliminary squad to address that problem.
Both players will have opportunities to prove that they can lead Bangladesh’s attack.
“We want to have a number 9 who can actually score goals for us. If we go to the SAFF tournament and we don’t have a number 9, it will be also very very difficult to be successful,” Dooley said.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh will have to play their opening match without Hamza Choudhury. Dooley confirmed that the midfielder will arrive after the tournament begins because of his club commitments.
“I think Hamza comes on the 9th, Faan maybe comes on the 9th, something like that. So they will be there for the second game,” he said.
The coach explained that clubs do not have to release their players before the official FIFA international window.
Around 23 players have joined the national camp so far. Dooley expects more players to arrive in the coming days, with most of the squad available by early November.
Dooley explained that players often spend time with teammates they know well, but that does not mean they have problems with others.
“We need to work for each other and that was everybody doing,” he said.
He also rejected claims of serious disciplinary problems within the squad. Dooley said he allows players some freedom in their daily routines, including breakfast times, but expects everyone to give their best during training and matches.
Bangladesh will begin their SAFF Championship campaign against Bhutan on November 5 before facing Sri Lanka on November 11.
The tournament will take place at the National Stadium in Dhaka from November 5 to 17.
