Saiful Bari Titu and Maruful Haque are close friends in everyday life, but on tomorrow, when Dhaka Mohammedan clash with the season’s treble winning Sheikh Russell in the final of the Grameenphone Super Cup, the coaches of the rival teams will be fierce rivals.
Titu, the coach of Mohammedan, used to be a prolific player in his playing days and represented the national team. Maruf also played in the senior division football league, but not for high profile teams. Their friendship goes back to 2006 and it has gone stronger over time.
The friends and rivals have nothing but respect for one another.
Maruf said he has admired Titu since his playing days.”Yes, I knew him before he knew me.Oon some occasions, I even played against him. I liked his open style as a player and also now a coach.
“He is open to any discussion and sharing. He tries to implement it in his coaching style also. Try hard and think more is his motto - in my view, he is modern and tactical coach.”
Asked what he admires of Titu as an opposition coach, Maruf stressed how well he knows his counterpart. “I will be anxious as I know he is aware of my tactics and techniques. I have to be careful of to not commit any mistakes,” said Maruf, who won the Federation Cup, Independence Day Cup and the coveted Bangladesh Premier League earlier in the season.
Titu, who unlike his counterpart has coached the national side, is looking to disappoint his friend’s quadruple ambition. “Maruf is a high-profile coach and I have learnt a lot of things from him. He is a complete coach and reads his opponent well,” said Titu.
Titu said Maruf’s approach towards the game is an admirable one. “Look he never throws his arms and legs and never shouts while standing in the sideline. He remains cool and is a very good worker in the area of MST or Mental Skill Treatment, he motivates his players well,” specified Titu.
Asked to signal out Maruf’s particular strength, Titu cited the ability to install a strong attitude in his team. “He has been successful in raising the confidence of his players. This reason, Sheikh Russell’s rebound mentality was high and I admire that quality.”
