Rene Koster, the Dutch assistant national coach of the Bangladesh football team defended his fellow countrymen and trainer Muhammet Yamali’s fitness regimen before the Saff championship.
Reacting to the statements in the different media regarding Yamali’s role Koster said, “Yamali is a fitness specialist, he trained the players using scientific methods. No trainer in the world wants his players injured and injury never comes in a predetermined way. For example Mamunul sustained an injury in a practice match, some players joined the camp with injuries so what could Yamali do”.
Rene Koster said he thought the players lacked the fitness. “I don’t agree with the idea, we played well against India and we drew due to a controversial decision as a goal was conceded in the 94th minute. One minute more than the stipulated injury time, it does not mean Bangladesh lacked fitness,” said the Dutch coach.
Rene Koster said they have been involved with the team for just two months and it is not possible to change the team within such a short time. “We have worked in the Ajax Academy and it is one of the best in producing quality footballers, we need time and I’m sure that we will produce quality footballers within two years, two months time can’t be a yardstick to determine a coach’s performance,” said Koster.
The Dutch coach termed the Dhaka league as a slow one and asked for improvement. “The tempo is very slow and does not match the standards of a competitive league, the federation must think over the issue, the league requires a more competitive edge,” said Koster.
The Dutch coach said BFF president Kazi Salahuddin is positive about the developments and there are no short cuts to the path of development. Koster who has taken the charge of the U-19 national team believes the team will perform well in the AFC U-19 qualifiers next month in Iraq.