Academy head Peter Butler heaped praise on the young female footballers after working with the Bangladesh women’s football team as temporary head coach in the last three months ahead of his international debut against Chinese Taipei Friday.
“I really feel there is great potential in the group. We spent a lot of time, working with the Under-16s, 19s, senior national team. It’s an interesting encounter working with some different characters,” the English coach told reporters at Bangladesh Football Federation House Wednesday.
The team are facing injury concerns and fatigue as the tightly-scheduled Women’s Football League just concluded this week, ruling out reliable midfielder Maria Manda due to injury and leaving first-choice goalkeeper Rupna Chakma in doubt.
Captain Sabina Khatun, who was present at the same press conference, admitted that her teammates were tired but hopeful of recovery before the two friendly matches at Bashundhara Kings Arena with the second one scheduled for Monday.
Four new players have been called up - U-17 striker Mosammat Sagorika, midfielder Munki Akter, U-16 forward Sauravi Akanda Prity and goalkeeper Yearzan Begum - to the mostly youthful senior national side.
Butler, who has 18 years of coaching experience at different national teams and clubs, did not comment especially on any individual but said: “Really talented young players who have got massive future.”
The 57-year old former West Ham United midfielder worked mainly at men’s football team.
He termed it a privilege and honor to start his new journey with the ladies’ national team.
“Women’s football is going to be huge. The potential in contrast is massive. My job here is short,” said Butler as his contract does not elaborate how long he would continue as women’s team coach.
“I’m well aware of the struggle over the last two years, conceding 15 goals in three matches. Football is like a rollercoaster. There are good days and bad days. I can only plan short.”
Butler was alluding to Bangladesh’s big losses to World Cuppers Japan and Vietnam at last year’s Asian Games in Hangzhou before facing another East Asian side in Chinese Taipei who are almost 100 places above the Bengal Tigresses in the latest FIFA rankings.
Talking about Maria’s injury, the new women’s team coach prioritized the development rather than the results.
“It’s unfair to me that Maria got injured. I believe in giving youth a chance,” he said.
He also admired the opponent who he called canny, good and smart.
“They have got good players. Very disciplined and organized. If we bring stability, we can build consistency,” he said.
Sabina and vice-captain Sheuli Azim also echoed the same sentiments.
They are expecting Chinese Taipei to be tough opposition but eager to learn from the experience.
While replying to a query, the skipper shared the recent change in playing style made by Butler, which is high pressing from high defense line.
“It’s a matter of waiting to see how the new and young players adapt to the new style,” she said.