Topu says team 90% ready, fitness coach positive too

Only a couple of days left for the first official Bangladesh game in almost eight months. 

Defender Topu Barman said they are over 90% geared up while new fitness coach Ivan Razlog also found the fitness condition positive in short preparation time.

Fitness has always been a concern since the national footballers started training from October 24 ahead of the two Fifa international friendlies against Nepal Friday and Tuesday after a long hiatus.

“We are 90 to 100% ready to play on the 13th. Everybody’s fitness level has developed much more than before, along with mental growth,” said Bashundhara Kings’ Topu after Wednesday's practice session at Bangabandhu National Stadium.

“Football is a team game. If we avail 100% performance as a team then we can cover that 10%. It may look like gap (10%) but it wouldn’t have any impact in the game,” the center-back added.

Saif Sporting Club full-back Rahmat Mia also seemed content with the improvement in 19 days. 

He said, “The condition is much better now than at the beginning. We followed the training schedule properly during corona break. That is why we passed all tests in practice.”

It’s been four days since Razlog joined the camp and introduced GPS technology in training. 

He told the media, “I’ve been collecting GPS data which is good so far.

“They have been training well. It’s been very positive considering the short period of time. It looks very good. We just have to wait for the game day to see how good they are.”

With experience of working at professional clubs in Australia, Razlog was hired following recommendation of Human Performance Strategist and Sports Scientist Dr. Craig Duncan.

Jamie Day was earlier pleased to have Razlog among the coaching staff. 

This is the first time he is having GPS facility in Bangladesh team after two years in charge. 

The new technology wouldn’t only help compare his disciples with other teams in the world, but also pick the playing XI for the upcoming friendlies.