The unity, facilities and hard work of the players under the guidance of Romanian head coach Aristica Cioaba as well as support from the management paid off as Bangladesh Police FC finished third in only their fourth appearance in the Bangladesh Premier League this season.
It was Police's highest ever position in the top-flight league where their previous best was eighth out of three editions and the huge jump in the points table raised curiosity as to exactly how this happened.
The officials hailed the performance of the booters that was beyond expectation, the head coach said it was down to hard work while the players owed it to the facilities which helped them build up team bonding and unlock the unprecedented level.
Police's performance also caught attention last year when they ended seven points behind third-placed Saif Sporting Club and only three points behind fifth-placed Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited.
This is why the club's general secretary Sheikh Md Rezaul Hyder did not want to term the recent rise a big one.
He told Dhaka Tribune, “Experience is a factor. When we emerged eighth last season the margin was narrow and we could have finished fifth. So to me, it was not a big jump.
“Second thing is, we changed team selection from last season. We didn't have Latin American players until last season but we have three players from that region this time. Their individual skill is good. It was a challenge. It clicked. These are the major contributing factors.”
Police FC general secretary Sheikh Md Rezaul Hyder
Venezuelan center-forward Edward Morillo was the top scorer for Police with nine goals and eight assists while Colombian attacking duo Johan Arango and Mateo Palacios shared 11 goals and nine assists between them.
Hyder also pointed to other factors behind their impressive league finish.
“We also signed some rising local players who performed well. Another reason is that it is also second year in a row for the head coach. There was also commitment among the team to finish in top four from the very beginning. Then there was luck. All clicked so well.”
The turning point for Police was handing four-time Premier League champions Bashundhara Kings their first defeat in the competition after a run of five winless matches.
Two outstanding goals from Morillo helped them beat the Kings 2-1 and since then, they won five consecutive games, netting 22 goals and conceding only five.
Notable victories include the 7-0 thrashing of relegated AFC Uttara and the 6-1 thumping of the other demoted side Muktijoddha Sangsad KC.
“The victory against Kings was a turning point. It boosted the players and increased the confidence. They played the following matches with ease,” said Hyder, who also happens to be the director of Central Police Hospital.
“Everyone performed beyond our expectations. Some of them have become celebrities. The contribution of the coach is unparalleled. He utilized the experience from previous season. It usually takes time,” he added.
Romanian head coach Cioaba flew back to his homeland after the season ended.
Attempts were made to reach him over phone but to no avail.
A source close to Cioaba informed that the tactician cited hard work and intense training sessions for the success.
He changed the playing style to passing football by bringing in Latin players.
He was not dependent on individuals but on game plans.
Isa Faysal, who got into the national team's SAFF Championship 2023 playing XI following his performance with Police, praised the tactics of Cioaba which helped them identify the weaknesses of opponents and win matches.
The left-back also believes that unity played the main role behind their best ever placing.
He said, “The team bonding was crucial. Everyone helped each other. The officials also supported us a lot. The players were united and disciplined."
“It's great that we have the gym, swimming pool, practice ground and accommodation at one place. Overall, considering everything, we got the result not only because of the players but also because of the facilities,” added Isa, who is also a Police constable.
Another top local performer of Police, Rabiul Hasan said, “There is a lot of discipline in Police team. If you are disciplined you achieve good things. The officials always stand beside the players and inspire us. It's good for the development of the players when you have all the facilities at one place.”
It is not common for BPL sides to have training ground, gymnasium, swimming pool and dormitory at close range but Police team enjoyed this benefit thanks to state support.
It not only kept them fit, united and disciplined but also saved a lot of time in a busy city like Dhaka.
The authorities said the team made the most of the facilities and besides, there was also support from the Director General of Rapid Action Battalion and Inspector General of Police.
The budget of the squad was not big but the facilities of the club, tactical genius of the former head coach and picking the right players made all the difference.
