It has been around three and a half years since Javier Cabrera was appointed as the Bangladesh head coach. The Spaniard said the current list in his hands is the best squad since he took charge, which is mainly down to the inclusion of midfielders Hamza Choudhury and Shamit Shome. UK-based Hamza already made his debut against India last March. Meanwhile, Canada-based Shamit is all set for his Bangladesh debut against Singapore on June 10 and Italy-based winger Fahamedul Islam is also in line to start playing for the red and green. Including all these three expatriates, Cabrera announced a 26-man squad for the much-awaited Singapore match, before talking to the reporters at BFF House Wednesday. Here are the excerpts:
How strong is your team to challenge Singapore at home?
Our team is very strong. We have full belief in ourselves. We know that we did a very good match, a very good performance in India, but we could have done better and we can do much better. We were very good in terms of energy, high pressure and ambition and that productivity was very good. But for example, in situations with the ball, we can do much better and we could have won that game. So if we are able to at least keep the same level of performance, that could be enough already to get a point, but we want three points and we are absolutely convinced that at home in these conditions and with the full support that we are going to get, we definitely can get three points on the turn.
With Shamit coming in, do you think Bangladesh has the best midfield line-up in South Asia?
I'm sure about it, in South Asia for sure. We have a very strong midfield, especially in our group. Probably if not the best midfield, we are there. It's a very competitive midfield, obviously with Hamza, who is a top player, and Shamit is a player with a lot of quality.
What changes can Shamit bring to the team?
Every single player coming to the team will have an impact and there will be players with a lot of quality that definitely will have a positive impact on the team.
Are you planning to change the playing style now that you have a better midfield?
Well, in the end, the idea, the identity, the philosophy is the same. Obviously, we always adjust according to the players that we have and the strengths and weaknesses of the rival. So yeah, you will see probably some adjustments, but the idea overall is it will be the same.
Did you want to bring Fahamedul in the national team?
I want Fahamedul to play. I kept following up on Fahamedul as I did before when I called him in March. I've been in touch with him continuously, speaking with him and with the sports director of his club and I have decided that he can actually provide something to the team in this camp.
Fans are very interested to watch this clash. They are waiting for Shamit, Hamza and Fahamedul. What do you think about the match itself?
I think it is great excitement and a huge motivation for everyone. We have a huge opportunity to make a very big impact in the society and in the country because everyone is expecting a lot from us. We are taking that responsibility. We are convinced that we can achieve something important. We are adding very important players to a team that has already been performing well, and we want to give a great experience and a great show. So, yeah, it's very important because we all now have the chance to get three points and even top the group.
Is it your best Bangladesh squad since you took charge?
Yes, definitely.