Bangladesh are intensifying their preparations for the FIFA ASEAN Cup with head coach Thomas Dooley demanding realism, discipline and maximum effort from his players ahead of a tough campaign against some of the region’s stronger sides.
Bangladesh were confirmed as late entrants to the tournament after India’s withdrawal and will face hosts Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore in Group A. The tournament will be held in Jakarta from September 24 to October 4.
With most of his players having gone almost two months without competitive football, Dooley started the national camp early and has been putting the squad through double sessions to rebuild their fitness.
“I am very happy with the training so far,” Dooley said. “Most of the players had done nothing for about two months since returning from San Marino, so it was important for us to start the national team training early.”
The demanding schedule has taken its toll, with midfielder Sohel Rana admitting that the players are feeling the physical strain but are determined to push through it.
“We have been training twice a day and it is difficult because we were out of football for a long time,” Sohel said. “We are working to regain our fitness as quickly as possible. For international football, we need a different level of fitness, so every player has to be ready to make that effort.”
Dooley believes the intensive work is necessary to reduce the risk of injuries and ensure the players are ready for competitive football. He also welcomed the cooperation of the federation, league and clubs in releasing players for the extended camp.
The coach is also realistic about the challenge awaiting Bangladesh. Indonesia are around 60 places above Bangladesh in the FIFA rankings, while Malaysia and Singapore are also significantly higher.
“We have to be realistic,” Dooley said. “Singapore are about 40 rankings higher than us, Malaysia 60 and Indonesia. But if we play a team ranked below us, I don’t want us to lose. We have to focus on not conceding and then try to get the result.”
Rather than viewing the ASEAN Cup as an unwanted distraction before the SAFF Championship, Dooley sees the tournament as an opportunity for Bangladesh to test themselves against stronger opposition.
“We want to play against big teams and get the best out of it,” he said.
Sohel echoed that approach, insisting Bangladesh will not travel simply to make up the numbers.
“We don’t want to go there just to take part,” he said. “We want to bring back a good result and start something new that can be good for Bangladesh football.”
The midfielder also believes the tournament can provide valuable preparation for the SAFF Championship, which remains Bangladesh’s main target.
“We will play every match to win,” Sohel said. “To win, we have to play good football. If we can play good football, we will have a chance to win, Inshallah.”
Bangladesh are also looking to use the camp to sharpen their tactical understanding. Dooley has been combining physical sessions with technical work, internal matches and video analysis, while continuing to assess players competing for places in the final squad.
The intensity has tested the players mentally as well as physically.
“We have completed eight sessions without a rest,” Sohel said. “Physically, it is difficult, but mentally we have to be strong. If we break mentally, we will not achieve what the coach wants from us.”
For Dooley, the objective is clear: Bangladesh must use the opportunity to compete, learn and prove they belong on the regional stage.
“We want to be positive, demand the maximum from the players and show that Bangladesh belong in this region,” he said.
