Since taking the charge of Bangladesh national team back in May, football coach Jamie Day has been going through a busy schedule and impressed the footballing fraternity.
The 39-year old English coach was involved in the Saff Championship, Bangabandhu Gold Cup and the Olympic team’s memorable campaign in the Asian Games, where the team got the best success in the country’s history.
But currently, after a hectic season, Bangladesh have no international assignment so the coach got an opportunity to watch local football.
Dhaka Tribune had a chance to catch the coach in the last group match of the ongoing Federation Cup on Tuesday and the coach discussed a few issues regarding his plans.
Q: How are you keeping up contacts with the national players now?
Day: I speak to them over the phones and WhatsApp and other stuff like this. I like to keep contact with them, just to know how they are and how they are getting on. It would have been nice to have a camp, just to see their game and a bit of work with them. I’ll keep speaking to them over the phone, going to the clubs in the next four months just to keep contact with the coaches and see the boys train. I’m looking forward to it.
Q: You gave some guidelines to the national players during the stay at their respective clubs. How is it going on?
Day: The boys we had obviously know what is expected from them. They have very good coaches in their clubs. Hopefully they will look after the players so that our players will be tested. No one is guaranteed a place in the national team. Players will be picked up based on their fitness and level of performance. If these players keep performing in the next 2-3 months, they will be coming back to the national team.
Q: Any plan to bring expatriate footballers for Bangladesh team?
Day: We looked for a few in England. We have a Bangladesh team in England and there are two players who are qualified to play. That’s something I will be looking out for. There is another player in Finland that we have been in contact with. We are looking around. If we get players based in Europe who are better than our current lot, then we will look for that.
There is a club named Sporting Bengal which is Bangladesh-based. I watched them in England and got 2-3 players who could be good for us. I met their manager and president. The lad was born in Finland but has Bangladeshi origin. I have not watched him but his season is finished now. We will keep an eye on him.
Q: What’s your observation regarding the Bangladesh clubs so far?
Day: I think there are 5-6 teams with a good chance of winning the trophy. (Bashundhara) Kings are the new team in the league and they are spending a lot of money, so they are the one to watch out for. Things are going to be close to winning the tournament for sure.
Foreign players have quality in certain areas. Most of the foreign players are forwards or stoppers. They have done well. I have been pleased by some of the national players. Jony has done very well. There are some other local players who are doing well too. Like I said, the lads I have not seen yet have the chance to catch my eyes by playing well.
Q: As per the new law the head coach of a national team must acquire Uefa Pro license. What is your plan regarding the matter?
Day: BFF has been in discussion with Fifa regarding the process of a course in Bangladesh. Hopefully we can start that in January or February. That’s the best solution for me so that I can stay in Bangladesh. If I get a pro-license in Bangladesh it’s not only good for me but that will also benefit other local coaches as well.
Q: Have you met the U15 Saff Championship boys?
Day: I met them and said I’m very pleased with them. They will be going to Sylhet. I and Stuart [Watkiss - the assistant of Day] are planning to go there in Sylhet and stay there for ten days to see the boys in the training ground. Parvez [Babu - the coach of U-15 team] and his staff has been fantastic. I’m very pleased with them.