When the list of the Bangladeshi football coaches is prepared, Maruful Haque’s name will no doubt feature at the very top. Following a treble-winning campaign with Sheikh Russel two seasons back, Maruf recently came up trumps for Sheikh Jamal clinching the King’s Cup title in Bhutan.
He has been the physical instructor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) since 1994. In addition to his role as the physical instructor, Maruf is also the assistant director with the university team. Alongside his job at Buet, he has managed to acquire several coaching lessons and courses. Maruf has also performed his duties as the head coach of Badda Jagoroni, Mohammedan, Muktijoddha and Sheikh Russel. He is currently the head coach of Bangladesh Premier League champions Sheikh Jamal. He is the only coach from Bangladesh with an Uefa A license.
The decorated tactician sat for an in-depth interview with Dhaka Tribune yesterday where he shared his recent experiences in Bhutan with the Bangladesh top flight champions.
How were you introduced to football coaching?
I was playing for Bangladesh Boys in 1993-94 as a midfielder. One day I noticed a circular of Buet. I applied for the job and got it. They did not permit me to play but they allowed me to do coaching. I was 24 back then and I thought since I could not feature for top clubs like Abahani and Mohammedan and the national team any more, I decided to hang up my boots. I started doing coaching courses with Fifa Futuro and obtained the C license in 1995. I was 23 years old and the only candidate who never represented the national team. After that, I completed the B license in 2000 and the A license in 2010. I recently completed part 1 and 2 of the Uefa A license in the United Kingdom.
What is your playing and coaching philosophy?
My playing philosophy is passing and pressing while my coaching philosophy is to conduct plays according to the players’ merit. For example, (pointing his finger at national winger Zahid Hossain who was sitting in front of him) I can teach Zahid how to move like Cristiano Ronaldo but not like [Lionel] Messi because his (Zahid) playing pattern is similar to Ronaldo. Moreover, I value team performance first, then, result. I also think I would not have been able to live without coaching.
What were your plans prior to departing for the King’s Cup in Bhutan?
I had two types of plans - defensive football based on the counter-attack and attacking football. But, when I went there and watched the other teams play I understood it was possible to win by keeping possession of the ball and playing our natural game. The first game was tough. We played against a home team who had the advantage of high altitude and cold temperature. I started with the 4-2-3-1 formation but later introduced another forward and got the goal.
How did Sheikh Jamal miss captain Mamunul Islam?
We knew that Mamun would not play in the tournament. He is a key player of the team and we could not use Wedson [Anselme] properly because of his absence (suspension). But, I had an alternative plan for Mamun and I changed my playing style. If Mamun was there I would have continued with the 4-3-3 formation, which is my favourite.
How was your overall experience with Sheikh Jamal in Bhutan?
I learned everyday from everyone. But, what I learned the most in Bhutan was game-reading. I developed that sense there. For instance, I could understand when my opponents changed their strategy or formation quickly during a game and I guided my team accordingly. I had that feeling against the Thai club (Nakhon Ratchasing Mazda) and Mohun Bagan in the group stages.
Who do you think were the top performers for Sheikh Jamal in the King’s Cup?
Everyone contributed and all my local players played really well. But overall, I will mention some names who have really developed and caught my attention. They are Yeasin [Khan], Nasir [Uddin Chowdhury] and Jamal [Bhuiyan]. If I had to give marks to the players then Nasir and Jamal will get the full 100 marks. Rubel [Miah] also did well. He has got pace and positioning sense.
How did you feel after winning the King’s Cup? No other Bangladeshi team have managed to win it before.
I do not know why but the fact is that it did not move me. I remained normal, just like a robot. Same thing happened when I won the treble with Sheikh Russel. It was normal to me as I just wanted to give something to the players to cheer about. If I manage a club abroad and win something maybe it will touch me.
Did you get any job offer from any foreign club after the King’s Cup glory?
Kolkata Mohammedan wanted me as their head coach when I won the treble with Sheikh Russel. This time Mohun Bagan also showed their interest but I am not pondering any of their offers. Sheikh Jamal stood beside me when the chips were down and I cannot desert them now.